New Delhi: Recent photos and videos depict women, predominantly from the Muslim community, queuing outside Congress offices in several states, brandishing guarantee cards and demanding the promised Rs 1 lakh under Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's "Khatakhat Cash Transfer" scheme. This controversial scheme has led to discontent among these women, who claim they voted for Congress and its allies with the expectation of receiving the money by June 5. Now, Congress leaders are reportedly evading these women, leading to accusations of bribery and political backlash.
The Congress, historically one of India's ruling parties, is now facing criticism for allegedly attempting to buy votes through this scheme, which promised Rs 1 lakh annually to women. Critics point out that during its rule from 2004 to 2014, the Congress never implemented such direct cash transfers, instead controversially setting the poverty line at Rs 27 per day in 2013. At that time, a significant portion of the poor population lacked bank accounts, whereas today, thanks to the Jan Dhan Yojana, 95% of Indians are connected to the banking system.
Legal troubles have arisen for the Congress due to allegations of bribery. New Delhi-based lawyer Vibhor Anand has filed a complaint, arguing that the Congress's promise and distribution of guarantee cards violate Section 123(1) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which prohibits any promise or distribution of money to influence voters. Anand's complaint to President Draupadi Murmu seeks an inquiry by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and demands disqualification of all 99 Congress candidates who won seats in the recent elections.
The Congress’s "Khatakhat Yojana" was heavily promoted by Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the final weeks of the campaign, promising Rs 8,500 monthly and Rs 1 lakh annually to female heads of poor households if the party came to power. This promise led to a significant increase in Congress’s seat tally, from 52 in 2019 to 99. However, the guarantee cards distributed during the campaign are now seen as potential evidence of bribery.
Anand’s complaint highlights that the Congress’s actions constitute "gross corrupt practice" under the Representation of the People Act. He asserts that the Congress aimed to entice Muslim voters specifically, as evidenced by the demographics of the women currently protesting outside Congress offices. He calls for a comprehensive investigation and possible disqualification of Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and Mallikarjun Kharge.
Some have drawn parallels to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 2014 speech about bringing back black money, which he suggested could theoretically provide Rs 15 lakh to each Indian. However, unlike the Congress’s explicit promises and distribution of guarantee cards, the BJP did not formalize this in their manifesto or through written guarantees.
In summary, the Congress faces significant legal and political challenges due to the "Khatakhat Cash Transfer" scheme, with accusations of bribery and potential violations of election laws. The unfolding situation highlights the complexities and legal ramifications of electoral promises and voter inducements in Indian politics.
NIA Chargesheets Seven More in ₹700 Crore Attari Drugs Haul Case
Shinde Sena Claims Contact with Two Newly Elected Lok Sabha Members of UBT