DMK leader and Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi criticized the freezing of the Congress party's main bank accounts, attributing it to the BJP's alleged fear of engaging in the democratic electoral process. The bank accounts were frozen due to an income tax demand of Rs 210 crore, but an appellate tribunal later allowed the party to operate them until further hearings next week. Kanimozhi condemned this action, stating it hindered political activities crucial in the lead-up to India's elections.
In a public address in Ottapidaram, Thoothukudi, Kanimozhi expressed confidence in the opposition INDIA bloc winning the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. She emphasized the detrimental consequences if the BJP were to retain power, calling it a loss for the country. Despite the BJP's claims of securing over 400 seats, Kanimozhi urged confidence in a regime change, citing recent losses in state elections such as Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh.
Highlighting the BJP's financial backing, Kanimozhi referred to the revelation through RTIs that the party received over Rs 6,000 crore in electoral bonds. Electoral bonds, introduced by the BJP government in the 2017-18 Union Budget, allowed corporates and individuals to anonymously fund political parties. However, the Supreme Court's recent decision deemed the electoral bond scheme unconstitutional.
The freezing of Congress' bank accounts, Kanimozhi argued, reflects the BJP's apprehension towards democratic engagement, particularly with the impending elections in India, known as the largest democracy. She condemned such actions, advocating for a fair and transparent electoral process.
Kanimozhi's critique aligns with broader concerns about the influence of money in politics and the integrity of democratic processes. The developments surrounding the freezing of Congress' bank accounts and the scrutiny over electoral bonds underscore the ongoing debate over political funding and its implications for democratic governance in India.
