“Assam Congress Protests SBI’s Electoral Bonds Delay: A Blow to Transparency”

In a bold move against the State Bank of India’s delay in disclosing crucial details regarding electoral bonds, the Assam Congress party staged a protest in front of SBI’s Dispur branch in Guwahati. This demonstration comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent nullification of the electoral bonds scheme, with instructions for the SBI to reveal donor and transaction information by March 6. However, the bank has requested an extension until June 30, raising concerns among activists and opposition parties alike.

The delay in disclosing electoral bond data has sparked suspicion among the opposition, who fear that vital information may be withheld until after the general elections. The Congress party in Assam questions the sincerity of SBI’s intent to comply with the apex court’s order, alleging that the ruling BJP has wielded the bank as a weapon.

As part of the ongoing controversy, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a petitioner in the electoral bonds case, plans to challenge SBI’s extension plea. Regional leaders, including Mahima Singh and Prabhan Kher, have actively participated in the protest, emphasizing the paramount importance of transparency in financial dealings.

Electoral bond disclosure holds significant importance for the opposition and transparency advocates. The Indian Supreme Court’s decision to strike down the opaque system of election finance could potentially reveal individuals engaged in questionable political financing practices ahead of the country’s elections. This revelation might cause seismic shifts in the political landscape, challenging the status quo and promoting greater accountability in the electoral process.