Jammu, The Indian National Congress’s chapter in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir has staged protests in Jammu against the Narendra Modi government and the State Bank of India (SBI) concerning the lack of transparency in the electoral bonds scheme, which was recently scrutinized by the Indian Supreme Court.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the protests follow the Supreme Court’s February 15 ruling, which found the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional and demanded that SBI furnish details of electoral bond contributions to political parties by March 6. However, with the bank requesting an extension until June 30 just days before the deadline a move purportedly influenced by the central government the Congress mobilized in Jammu to voice their grievances and demand accountability.
The demonstration, led by the working president of the IIOJK Congress chapter, Raman Bhalla, saw significant participation from party leaders and activists, who criticized the Modi administration and SBI for allegedly colluding to delay the disclosure of sensitive information. This delay is seen as particularly contentious given the proximity of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Participants accused the government of obstructing transparency to conceal potentially incriminating details about its financial conduct and relationships with corporate entities. The protestors also expressed dismay over SBI’s failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s orders, suggesting it was an intentional act influenced by governmental pressure.
The Congress’s stance was further elucidated by chapter spokesperson Ravinder Sharma, who decried the government’s interference with SBI’s obligation to uphold the Supreme Court’s directive, framing it as an affront to legal and ethical standards.
These protests, which also took place in other Jammu region locales like Kathua and Udhampur, underscore the growing discontent with the electoral bonds scheme and the perceived erosion of democratic transparency under the current Indian administration.