News

CPI(M) only party to not use electoral bonds and take Modi govt to court, stands Vindicated: Sitaram Yechury

SimpliCity News Team · 15 Feb 2024

Coimbatore: From the very beginning, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has stood firm in its opposition to the electoral bond scheme, a position that has now been vindicated by the Supreme Court's historic verdict.

The CPI(M) has been the sole major political entity that not only challenged the electoral bond scheme in the judiciary but also conscientiously chose not to accept any funds through it, underscoring its commitment to transparency and accountability in political financing.

The Supreme Court's decision, striking down the electoral bond scheme as violative of the right to information and the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression, echoes the CPI(M)'s long-held argument that the scheme was a direct assault on the democratic ethos of India. The party had argued that the scheme allowed for unchecked, anonymous donations to political parties, which could lead to increased political corruption and undermine the electorate's ability to make informed decisions.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has been a vocal critic of the scheme, emphasizing that the fight against electoral bonds was not just about a single policy but a broader struggle to safeguard democracy and ensure that political financing remains transparent and accountable to the public. The party's legal battle, spearheaded by advocate Shadan Farasat, highlighted the scheme's potential to create a parallel, anonymous channel for political donations, effectively legalizing political corruption under the guise of transparency.

The CPI(M)'s stance was bolstered by the observations made by advocate Prashant Bhushan and the judgment delivered by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, who affirmed the necessity of transparency in political funding as fundamental to the right of electoral choice. The court's unanimous verdict underscores the critical importance of an informed electorate, a principle that the CPI(M) has championed tirelessly.

The landmark ruling not only marks a significant victory for the CPI(M) but also for the democratic framework of India. It reinforces the need for a more transparent and accountable political funding mechanism, reflecting the party's unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of democracy and fighting against political corruption. The CPI(M) welcomes the Supreme Court's decision as a step forward in the quest for a more transparent and equitable political system, affirming the party's foundational belief in the power of democracy.

cpim supreme court electoral bonds democracy transparency

CPI(M) only party to not use electoral bonds and take Modi govt to court, stands Vindicated: Sitaram Yechury

Related stories