Sibal Calls for SIT Probe into Electoral Bonds Amid Allegations of Corruption

In a recent press briefing in New Delhi, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal voiced serious concerns about what he described as a "big scam" surrounding the electoral bonds scheme. Sibal, who is actively involved in challenging the electoral bonds in the Supreme Court, called for a thorough investigation by setting up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising independent officials appointed by the court.

He argued that the scheme, which was supposed to be fair and transparent, appeared to favor one political party unfairly over others. Sibal criticized the government, suggesting that the scheme was initiated with the intention of giving an unfair advantage to a specific political party. He stressed the importance of finding out which parties received donations through these bonds.

Sibal refrained from directly accusing specific companies, like Adani and Ambani, mentioned in the data, emphasizing the need for further investigation to uncover any potential connections. He also expressed confidence in legal action under the Prevention of Corruption Act but criticized what he perceived as the sluggishness of investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

Highlighting potential discrepancies in political donations, Sibal pointed out three main categories of entities: those under investigation by the ED and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), those with vested interests, and shell companies. He underscored the importance of scrutinizing donations from companies experiencing financial difficulties.

Sibal also raised concerns about the transparency of donations made to the PM-CARES Fund by industrialists. The disclosed data, provided by the State Bank of India (SBI), revealed that several prominent companies purchased electoral bonds, raising further questions about the fairness and integrity of the electoral bonds scheme.