'A Day after Supreme Court's Verdict on VVPATs, Congress Distances Itself and Counters Modi's Remarks
In the wake of the Supreme Court's dismissal of petitions seeking the mandatory matching of VVPAT slips with votes cast through EVMs, the Indian National Congress has clarified its non-involvement in the case. Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's characterization of the verdict as a 'tight slap' on the Opposition, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh turned the tables, reminding the Prime Minister of the Supreme Court's scathing rebuke in the electoral bonds case.
Congress: No Direct or Indirect Involvement in VVPAT Petition
Ramesh categorically stated that the Congress party was not a party, directly or indirectly, to the petition on VVPATs that the Supreme Court rejected. He maintained that the party's stance on the matter remained unchanged - advocating for greater use of VVPATs to enhance public trust in the electoral process.
Counter to Modi's 'Tight Slap' Remark
Countering Modi's 'tight slap' analogy, Ramesh highlighted the Supreme Court's 'tighter slap' on the Prime Minister in the electoral bonds case. The apex court had declared the corruption-ridden electoral bonds scheme not only illegal but also unconstitutional. Ramesh emphasized the need for the Prime Minister to apologize to the nation for amassing a staggering Rs 8,200 crore over the past five years through dubious means, which he outlined as 'Chanda Do, Dhanda Lo; Theka Lo, Ghoos do; Hafta Vasooli; and Farzi Companies.'
Allegations of Unethical Funding
Ramesh reiterated his earlier allegations, supported by media reports, that the BJP received a disproportionately large share of the electoral bonds funding, with 75% of the Rs 582 crore donated by 33 loss-making firms going to the party's coffers.
Supreme Court's Verdict on Electoral Bonds and VVPATs
In February, a five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court struck down the electoral bonds scheme, deeming it unconstitutional. The court maintained that the scheme's anonymity provision undermined transparency and accountability in political funding.
In the case of VVPATs, the Supreme Court dismissed petitions seeking a mandatory reconciliation of VVPAT slips with EVM votes. The court expressed concern that 'blindly distrusting' any aspect of the electoral system could foster unwarranted skepticism and undermine the integrity of the process.
Congress' Commitment to VVPATs
Despite the Supreme Court's verdict, Ramesh asserted that the Congress remained committed to advocating for greater use of VVPATs to strengthen public confidence in the electoral process. He emphasized that the party's campaign in this regard would continue unabated.'
