Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi on March 21 accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP government of making systematic efforts to cripple the grand-old-party financially ahead of Lok Sabha Elections 2024.
“This issue affects not just Congress, it impacts our democracy itself most fundamentally. A systematic effort is underway by the Prime Minister to cripple the Indian National Congress financially,” Sonia Gandhi said during a press conference in New Delhi.
The seven-phase Lok Sabha Elections will begin on April 19. The results will be declared on June 4.
“Funds collected from the public are being frozen and money from our accounts is being taken away forcibly,” she said adding that even under the most challenging circumstances, the party was doing its y best to maintain the effectiveness of the election campaign.
“On one hand, there is the Electoral Bond issue which has been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Electoral Bonds benefitted the BJP hugely. On the other hand, the finances of the principal opposition party – the INC – are under a determined assault. This, we all believe, is unprecedented and undemocratic,” she said.
Congress President Malikarjun Kharge and former Congress President Rahul Gandhi were also present at the press conference held at the Congress party headquarters in New Delhi.
Kharge accused BJP of monopolising the poll resources while trying its best to prevent Congress party from contesting elections by targeting it financially.
“Lok Sabha elections have been announced. It is essential for a democracy that elections are conducted in an impartial manner and a level-playing ground is provided to all political parties. It should not be that ED, I-T and other autonomous bodies are controlled. In the last few days, after intervention by SC, the facts about electoral bonds which have emerged have hurt the image of the country,” Kharge said.
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Published: 21 Mar 2024, 12:11 PM IST