The Congress on February 23 alleged that probe agencies were “misused” to extort donations for the BJP from private companies and demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe into the matter.
Addressing a press conference, Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh alleged that at least 30 companies, which donated a total of nearly ₹335 crore to the BJP between financial years 2018-19 and 2022-23, faced action by central agencies during that period.
Mr. Ramesh said Congress general secretary in-charge organisation K. C. Venugopal on February 23 wrote to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the issue.
Mr. Ramesh also asked if the government would come up with a “white paper” on the BJP’s finances, not just the sources, but how corporate firms were “coerced” to donate, by misusing investigative agencies against them.
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“If you have nothing to hide, then are you willing to present a point-by-point rebuttal on the ‘chronology’ of events which led to the filling of BJP’s treasury,” he asked.
“If you are unwilling to come up with a factual explanation, then are you willing to present yourself for a Supreme Court-monitored investigation in these dubious deals to loot donation for the BJP?” Mr. Ramesh said.
