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"Everyone Will Regret": PM Modi On Scrapping Of Electoral Bonds Scheme

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The Prime Minister said the country has been pushed towards “black money” in elections

New Delhi:

The scrapping of the electoral bonds – in a landmark decision by the Supreme Court in February – is a decision “everyone will regret when there is honest reflection” and has “completely pushed the country towards black money”, Prime Minister Narendra Modi told news agency ANI Monday.

The Prime Minister said the electoral bonds scheme launched by his government was meant to fight the use of ‘black money’, referring to unaccounted cash or funds from criminal activities, in election campaigns, and that he had “never claimed this was an absolute way” to achieve that goal.

Mr Modi also attacked the opposition for spreading “lies” about the bonds and said his government had introduced the scheme to cut down on ‘black money’ during elections. He countered criticism – that his Bharatiya Janata Party was the largest beneficiary, to the tune of thousands of crores.

“There has been a discussion in our country for a long time… that black money allows for dangerous games to be played during elections. That money is spent in elections… no one denies. My party also spends… all parties and all candidates spend, and this money is taken from the people. I wanted to try something… how can our elections be free from this black money? How can there be transparency for people giving donations? This was a pure thought in my mind,” the PM said.

“We were looking for a way. We found a small way… never claimed this was absolute,” he said, building on comments from earlier this month, when he told a Tamil news channel “no system is perfect… shortcomings can be improved“.

Mr Modi’s comments on electoral bonds came in a wide-ranging interview aired this evening – four days before the start of the Lok Sabha election – that included detailed remarks on the opposition INDIA bloc, the contentious ‘One Nation, One Election’ scheme, and allegations his government uses central investigative agencies, like the Enforcement Directorate, to target rivals before polls.

PM Modi On Electoral Bonds

The electoral bonds scheme – which was supposed to allow private individuals and corporates to make completely anonymous donations to any political party (previously anonymity was limited to donations below the Rs 2,000-mark) – was struck down by the Supreme Court in February.

A bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud ruled the scheme unconstitutional on two counts – it violated the people’s right to information and the right to equality. The court directed the State Bank of India (the sole sales point for the bonds) to release data about buyers and beneficiaries.

READ | 2 Key Issues In Focus As Court Strikes Down Electoral Bonds

Mr Modi, however, pointed out to ANI that the 16 companies which bought electoral bonds after facing money laundering cases, and that 63 per cent of that amount went to parties other than the BJP.

He then took a double jibe at the opposition, saying, “The work of donating to the opposition… will BJP do this? 63 per cent went to them… and you are making allegations against us?” he asked.

“This is the success story of electoral bonds. There were electoral bonds… so you are getting a (money) trail of which company gave, how much, where. Whether what happened was good or bad can be an issue of debate…” Mr Modi explained to ANI.

PM Modi On Opposition Attacks

The Prime Minister stoutly denied allegations by the opposition – that the political landscape is tilted in favour of the ruling party. The opposition has pointed to changes like the new law that allows the government to choose poll panel officials, who are supposed to ensure a free and fair election.

READ | “Excuses”: PM Slams Opposition’s “No Level-Playing Field” Charge

On that topic he told ANI, “In fact, we have made improvements. Today, when the Election Commission is formed, the opposition is also in it.” Mr Modi was referring to the law mandating the Leader of the Opposition as the third in a three-member selection panel. The other two are the PM and a Union Minister.

The Prime Minister also responded to claims the government uses central agencies to harass rivals. He pointed out that only three per cent of cases filed by the ED were against political leaders.

READ | “Only 3%…”: PM’s Jab At Opposition’s Probe Agency Claims

He also declared those involved in corruption would have “paap ka dar“, or fear of sin, and that honest persons had nothing to fear. The PM”s comments come amid criticism over Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s arrest last month in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam. Mr Kejriwal’s former deputy, Manish Sisodia, and the Bharat Rashtra Samithi’s K Kavitha, were also arrested in this case.

READ | Kejriwal To Stay In Jail For Now, Court Refuses Early Hearing

PM Modi On Congress Manifesto

The Prime Minister lashed out at the Congress, which heads the united INDIA opposition bloc, and the party’s manifesto for this election, which he earlier referred to as a “Muslim League imprint”.

“This manifesto completely fails the economy. In a way, the manifesto of opposition, destroys the aspiration of the first time voter of the country,” he said.

READ | “Congress Manifesto Biggest Loss For…”: PM Modi’s Swipe

“… the biggest loss (from the Congress’ manifesto) is for the people who are less than 25 years old. This manifesto will destroy their future,” the Prime Minister said.

PM Modi On Elon Musk

Asked about possible investment in India by Tesla, Inc. boss Elon Musk, the PM said he welcomed all such initiatives but pitched for localisation, saying “the product should have the essence of our soil”.

READ | “Paisa Kisi Ka Bhi Ho…”: PM Modi On Elon Musk’s India Plans

Mr Musk will meet PM Modi later this month, when he is expected to announce investment plans.

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“Meticulously planned attack”: Details emerge in firing outside Salman Khan’s residence case

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Mumbai: The recent firing incident outside the residence of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in Bandra, Mumbai, has taken a significant turn as the Mumbai Crime Branch assumes control over the case, revealed Mumbai police officials. The incident, which occurred on a Sunday morning, saw two unidentified individuals opening fire outside Khan’s residence, prompting swift action […]

Published Date – 15 April 2024, 05:04 PM


“Meticulously planned attack”: Details emerge in firing outside Salman Khan’s residence case


Mumbai: The recent firing incident outside the residence of Bollywood superstar Salman Khan in Bandra, Mumbai, has taken a significant turn as the Mumbai Crime Branch assumes control over the case, revealed Mumbai police officials.

The incident, which occurred on a Sunday morning, saw two unidentified individuals opening fire outside Khan’s residence, prompting swift action from law enforcement.
According to preliminary findings, the assailants arrived at the scene on a motorcycle, covering their faces under helmets, indicating a “meticulously planned attack.” They discharged a total of four rounds during the incident, leaving behind a live cartridge at the scene.

Senior officials, including the Deputy Commissioner of Police, promptly responded to the scene to oversee the investigation.

As the investigation progresses, new details have emerged shedding light on the perpetrators’ movements and planning.

It has been revealed that the accused had purchased an old car from the Raigad area, which they used to travel to Mumbai and carry out the firing incident. Authorities are now delving into the process of selling and buying this car, questioning individuals connected to the case.

Furthermore, it has come to light that the accused had planned to leave Mumbai shortly after the firing incident. Their black bike, which was used in the attack, was found parked on the stairs near Mount Mary Church, close to the Bandra police station.

The bike, purchased from Pen Tehsil in Raigad with registration from Panvel RTO, was seized by the Mumbai police as part of their investigation.

The transfer of the case to the Mumbai Crime Branch signifies a crucial step in the ongoing investigation, as multiple teams work diligently to unravel the details behind this brazen attack.

The incident has sparked heightened tension and scrutiny, with both the public and authorities eagerly awaiting further updates on the investigation.

After the news of the firing broke, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde spoke to Salman over the phone regarding the incident.

Shinde also discussed with the Mumbai Police Commissioner and suggested increasing Salman Khan’s security.

Since November 2022, Salman Khan’s security level has been elevated to Y-Plus due to threats from gangsters Lawrence Bishnoi and Goldy Brar. Khan has also been authorized to carry a personal firearm and has acquired a new armoured vehicle for added protection.

Meanwhile, on the work front, Salman was last seen in the thriller film ‘Tiger 3’, which performed well at the box office. Helmed by Maneesh Sharma, the film also starred Katrina Kaif and Emraan Hashmi in the lead roles.

Reportedly, he will be next seen in director Vishnuvardhan’s upcoming film ‘The Bull’. However, an official announcement of the film is still awaited. He also has ‘Tiger vs Pathaan’ in his kitty with superstar Shah Rukh Khan.

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Armed Forces warn Israel, Western supporters against crossing Iran's red lines

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Iran’s Armed Forces have warned the Israeli regime and its Western backers against crossing the Islamic Republic’s red lines.

Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, who is spokesman of the Iranian Armed Forces, made the remarks on Monday.

“We remind some of the heads of state of the United States, the UK, France, and Germany to stop their support for the moribund regime of roguish, lawless, terrorist, and child-killing Israel,” the official said.

The Islamic Republic has proven not to be warlike and does not seek expansion of warfare, he said.

“However, if anyone, including you and that desperate and helpless regime, oversteps the mark, we will cut off its feet with a more powerful response than the previous one that we served the aggressive and roguish Israel,” he added.

The remarks came in response to some Western states’ expression of support for the Zionist regime following its deadly attack of April 1 against the Islamic Republic’s diplomatic premises in the Syrian capital Damascus.

The Israeli attack resulted in the martyrdom of Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), his deputy, General Mohammad Hadi Haji Rahimi, and five of their accompanying officers.

In retaliation, the IRGC targeted the occupied territories late on Saturday with a barrage of drones and missiles. The retaliatory strikes, dubbed Operation True Promise, has inflicted damage on Israeli military bases across the occupied territories.

Amid speculation about fresh potential Israeli aggression, senior Iranian political and military leaders, including President Ebrahim Raeisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, have warned of a stronger and more severe response.

Shekarchi noted that the Iranian retaliation saw the country’s missiles and drones evading the regime’s and its supporters’ advanced radar systems and its “so-called Iron Dome.”

The operation, during which “we plowed through the bogus and criminal regime’s military fortresses,” represented only “a fraction of” the Iranian military’s might, he added.

The spokesman concluded his remarks by advising Israel’s Western backers to “be wise” and instead of condemning Iran’s legitimate and legal response to the Israeli aggression, rather drop their support for the Zionist regime, and “thus refuse to throw yourselves into a burning furnace.”

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Lara Shreds Mumbai Indians Bowling To Pieces With "Beyond Bumrah" Remark

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Beyond Jasprit Bumrah, there is not much in Mumbai Indians’ bowling attack and they need to improve in that department of the game, said West Indian legend Brian Lara after MI lost to Chennai Super Kings by 20 runs in their IPL match. Bumrah (0/27 from 4 overs) had an ordinary day against CSK considering the high standard he sets for himself and captain Hardik Pandya was hammered for three consecutive sixes by peerless MS Dhoni as MI lost the match at home on Sunday night. (IPL 2024 Points Table)

“Not much, I think when we look at Mumbai Indians, a lot of people have them as favourites, simply because they were batting so well, they scored 230 runs, they chased on 196, made it look very easy, 15 overs, so on that fact I think, we pick them as favourites,” Lara said on Star Sports’ Cricket Live Show.

“But their bowling is poor. Beyond Jasprit Bumrah, there is no one to actually support them in that bowling attack, and the CSK batters took them apart.” MI did not use their spinners after the eighth over as Shivam Dube, who has been impressive against the slow bowlers, was at the crease.

“The spinners, they only bowled 4 overs after around 7 runs an over, but they weren’t trusted with Shivam Dube out there. So, MI will have to improve in that area, they’ve got to find a couple of bowlers, match-winning bowlers,” the batting great said.

“What it tells me more about this game is that, if you’ve got a good bowling unit, like CSK, you look at their bowling, every single bowler played a part in that game, every single bowler.

“We had dot balls at the time, we thought that Mumbai Indians were supposed to accelerate, they didn’t.” On Pandya being hit for three consecutive sixes in the last over, Lara said, “For me, Hardik Pandya had it tough, I think he turned himself in the last couple of over, the master (MS Dhoni) did, you know, three sixes in the last 4-5 balls.” Sri Lankan Matheesha Pathirana (4/28) was the pick of the CSK bowlers who stopped MI to 186 for 6 in 20 overs, 21 runs short of winning target, and former England captain Kevin Pietersen praised the “unorthodox” right-arm pacer.

“Very unorthodox, and with unorthodox bowlers you’ve got to sometimes just mind your gap as they say, because you’ve got to get used to his delivery, and you’ve got to get used to where the ball is coming from, because it’s not the ordinary and normal, and it’s abnormal.

“So, you’ve got to bide your time … when he’s bowling so beautifully with the older ball, and he’s also got that wonderful ability to not reverse in swing the ball, but he’s got the ball to reverse and dip, and that’s quite a hard ball to face.” Pietersen compared Pathirana with Sri Lanka great Lasith Malinga who is with MI currently as a bowling coach.

“It was something that Malinga had as well, it was reverse, but it wasn’t reverse in, it was reverse down, and that’s always going away from the angle of where you’re trying to hit the ball,” he said.

“When you’ve got a bowler that’s coming at an angle, but it’s not coming on at a natural angle, it’s coming on at an angle that actually starts to dip on you, then you can’t actually play the sweep, you can’t play the ramp, because it’s going to get under your bat, and then it also makes it really hard to hit down the ground. It’s a gem for CSK, what a bowler.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Tesla To Lay Off 10% Of Its Global Workforce: Report

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Tesla To Lay Off 10% Of Its Global Workforce: Report

Tesla plans to lay off more than 10 percent of its global workforce.

New York:

Tesla plans to lay off more than 10 percent of its global workforce, news site Electrek reported Monday, publishing an email from Chief Executive Elon Musk announcing the cuts.

The job reductions are needed after rapid growth that has led to duplication of roles, Musk said in the email to staff, according to Electrek, an online news site focused on electric vehicles (EV).

“There is nothing I hate more, but it must be done,” Musk said. “This will enable us to be lean, innovative and hungry for the next growth phase cycle.”

The move comes about 10 days after Tesla reported a drop in first-quarter auto deliveries in a report that disappointed investors.

Musk’s company has also undertaken a series of price cuts on EV’s in response to rising competition among producers and slowing demand growth in some markets.

While Tesla is being proactive about cost cutting given “disastrous” first quarter deliveries and overall pressure on the business, “this is a large cost cutting initiative for a company in between two growth waves,” said analysts at Wedbush.

They added that “the string of bad news over the last few months has been a horror show for investors,” stressing the need for an explanation behind cost cuts and other issues.

But White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters that EV sales have surged in recent times while the vehicles are “more affordable than ever.”

Although she could not speak on Tesla’s decision, she said that President Joe Biden’s administration has been making efforts in manufacturing, boosting EV production and lowering costs.

Tesla late last year began deliveries of the Cybertruck, a space age-inspired vehicle that Musk has praised while warning that it would take time to ramp production to reach profitability.

Shares of Tesla closed 5.6 percent lower on Monday.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Trump Says Has "Real Problem" With Judge In New York Trial

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Trump Says Has 'Real Problem' With Judge In New York Trial

“We’ve got a real problem with this judge,” the former president Donald Trump said.

New York:

Donald Trump said Monday that he has a “real problem” with the judge handling his New York criminal case — and that he should be on the campaign trail instead of in court.

“We’re not going to be given a fair trial,” Trump told reporters outside the Manhattan courtroom after jury selection ended for the day in his “hush money” trial, one of four separate criminal cases he faces.

Trump also criticized Judge Juan Merchan for rejecting his request that he be allowed to attend a Supreme Court hearing next week.

Trump argues that as a former president he should be immune from criminal prosecution, a question the nation’s highest court is to weigh in arguments on April 25.

“The judge of course is not going to allow us to go to that,” Trump said. “He thinks he’s superior, I guess, to the Supreme Court.”

Trump has repeatedly criticized the judge presiding over the trial, and Merchan rejected a request by the former president’s attorneys on Monday that he recuse himself from the case.

“We’ve got a real problem with this judge,” Trump said. “He’s a very conflicted judge.”

Trump denounced the case — brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, a Democrat — as a “political witch hunt,” and said he should be out campaigning in his 2024 White House bid.

“I’m not in Georgia, or Florida or North Carolina, campaigning like I should be,” the Republican presidential candidate said. “This is about election interference.”

Trump, the first ex-president to face criminal charges, is accused of falsifying business records for allegedly paying hush money to a porn star just days ahead of the 2016 presidential election, to cover up a 2006 sexual encounter.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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2-Month-Old Child, Found On Rail Tracks In Delhi, Reunited With Parents

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2-Month-Old Child, Found On Rail Tracks In Delhi, Reunited With Parents

The infant was reunited with his family after adopting the due procedure of law

New Delhi:

The Delhi Police has reunited a two-month-old child found abandoned on the tracks near the Shakur Basti Railway Station here with his family members, officials said on Monday.

The couple had lost their child while they were travelling from Gwalior to their home in Agra via Delhi, they added.

The infant was reunited with his family after adopting the due procedure of law, they said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Railways) K P S Malhotra said the infant was found abandoned on the railway tracks on April 9.

An FIR was lodged under Section 317 (exposure and abandonment of child under 12 years, by parent or person taking care) and an investigation was taken up, Malhotra said.

There was no CCTV camera in the area where the child was left abandoned, the officer said, adding that the spot was also inspected by the crime and forensic teams to find clues regarding the infant.

“The team investigating the matter shared pictures and other details of the infant with all DCPs, SSPs across the country and all SHOs of Delhi through social media,” the DCP said, adding that information was also uploaded on ZIP Net.

During the investigation, various child centres were also checked to confirm whether any query had been made by any person regarding the infant and follow-up was taken daily.

“Our team was contacted by one Anil Kumar Rajavat from Agra who informed that he had seen the photographs and details of the infant circulating on a WhatsApp group,” the DCP said.

Mr Rajavat told the police that he was the father of the infant. On April 13, he came to Delhi with his wife and confirmed that the infant was their son after meeting him, the officer said.

The man said the child got lost in the crowd at a railway station here when they were travelling from Gwalior to Agra.

After due process of law, the infant was handed over to the parents, he added. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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"Irrelevant Piece Of Paper": S Jaishankar Mocks Congress Manifesto

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'Irrelevant Piece Of Paper': S Jaishankar Mocks Congress Manifesto

S Jaishankar said that this election is extraordinarily important.

Bengaluru:

External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar on Monday said that there was no need to bother about the election manifesto of the Congress as it will become just a piece of paper with no relevance after the BJP registers victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.

The Union Minister said this while answering a question about Congress’ claims that “if BJP gets 400 seats, it will change the Constitution”.

EAM Jaishankar said that it was a matter of happiness that the Congress agreed that the BJP would cross 400 seats this time.

“We will put that 400 to use by taking the country forward. When you see Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government at above 400 seats, you will see that we are doing more service towards the people of India,” S. Jaishankar said.

“From Jawaharlal Nehru to Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister is the leader of the country. How can you (referring to Rahul Gandhi) say that you won’t accept a leader? Rahul Gandhi disrespected former PM Manmohan Singh during the UPA regime. You think you are bigger than the PM as the party is a family enterprise?” the Union Minister questioned.

Talking about BJP’s hopes in south India in the upcoming elections, EAM Jaishankar stated that his party is “genuinely optimistic”.

“The kind of response PM Modi is getting from the public in Tamil Nadu and Kerala is phenomenal. We have been in a good position in Karnataka, and also got a good hold in Telangana.

“Most importantly, from the southern states, we are seeking votes not only on the manifesto but on our 10-year’s track record and achievements. We have delivered food, electricity, water, infrastructure, and education. When you look at our track record, you will strengthen our hands as we have bigger things to do for the nation. People of these states are very much part of all that has happened in 10 years. Every programme that has happened has impacted Tamil Nadu and Kerala. It will have an impact,” EAM Jaishankar said.

He further said: “This election is extraordinarily important. We have 10 years of foundation. We are planning to do something really big in the third term.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Lamborghini Set On Fire On Hyderabad Road Over Dispute: Police

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Lamborghini Set On Fire On Hyderabad Road Over Dispute: Police

The main accused, along with a few others, burnt the car using petrol.

Hyderabad:

A person who deals in sale and purchase of old cars and a few others have allegedly burnt an old but expensive luxury sports car on a road here over a dispute with its owner, police said on Monday.

The owner of the 2009 model car (Lamborghini) wanted to sell off the vehicle, estimated to be worth up to Rs one crore, and had informed some of his friends to look for a buyer, they said.

The main accused had called a friend of the owner and asked him to bring the car. The said friend of the car owner was known to the main accused.

When the car was brought to Mamidipalli Road on the city outskirts on April 13 evening, he, along with a few others, burnt it using petrol, claiming that the car owner owed him money, police said.

Based on a complaint by the person who took the car, a case under Section 435 IPC (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage) was registered.

Full details would be known after investigation, police added. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Congress’s Jairam Ramesh targets PM Modi over electoral bonds scheme

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Hailing the judiciary, he said, “Only the Supreme Court’s strong stance forced the SBI to reveal who donated how much to which political party.”

Published Date – 15 April 2024, 09:48 PM


Congress’s Jairam Ramesh targets PM Modi over electoral bonds scheme

Jairam Ramesh. Photo: ANI

New Delhi: Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the country, Congress general secretary-in-charge of communications Jairam Ramesh on Monday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the electoral bonds scheme.

“Statement on the PM’s repeated attempts to take credit for the disclosure of the donors in the Electoral Bond Scheme. In truth, the PM introduced anonymity to electoral financing, presided over large-scale corruption, and attempted to cover it up through the SBI,” the Congress leader lashed out at the PM.

Hailing the judiciary, he said, “Only the Supreme Court’s strong stance forced the SBI to reveal who donated how much to which political party.”

Taking to social media platform X, he said, “Every day the Prime Minister scales new heights of hypocrisy and plums new depths of dishonesty.” In an interview with ANI, PM Modi accused the opposition parties of “spreading lies” over the electoral bonds scheme, which has been struck down by the Supreme Court, and said, “Everyone will regret it when there is an honest reflection”.

PM Modi said the electoral bonds scheme was aimed at curbing black money in elections and said the opposition wants to run away after making allegations.

He said of the 16 companies that gave donations after action by probe agencies, only 37 per cent of the amount went to the BJP and 63 per cent to opposition parties opposed to the BJP.

The Prime Minister said the country has been pushed towards “black money” in elections and everyone will regret it. In his first detailed reaction to the electoral bonds scheme, PM Modi, who has been on a hectic campaign for the Lok Sabha polls, said the scheme should also be viewed as a success story as it has allowed the trail to show who had made contributions to political parties through the scheme.

He also said there is a lot scope of for improvement in the scheme.

“There has been a discussion in our country for a long time that (through) black money a dangerous game is there in elections. The play of black money in the country’s elections ends, this discussion has been going on for a long time. Money is spent in elections; no one can deny this. My party also spends, all parties, and candidates spend and money has to be taken from people. I wanted we try something, how can our elections be free from this black money, how can there be transparency? There was a pure thought in my mind. We were looking for a way. We found a small way, we never claimed that this was the absolute way,” he said.

He said there was debate in Parliament on the electoral bonds scheme when the relevant bill was passed and some of those who are now commenting on it had supported it.