What Did Gujarat Congress Chief Amit Chavda Uncover About Political Donations?

Amit Chavda Calls for Investigation into Political Donations

Nagpur: Amit Chavda, the head of the Gujarat Congress, announced on Sunday that the party is pushing for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into reports suggesting that unrecognized political parties received substantial donations in the fiscal year 2023-24. He alleged that this investigation could reveal connections to senior leaders within the BJP.

During a press conference in Nagpur, Chavda referenced a BBC News Hindi investigation that indicated six registered unrecognized political parties (RUPP) in Gujarat garnered more donations than all national parties, except for the BJP, despite contesting only a handful of seats.

This press conference was part of a broader initiative by Congress, taking place at 21 significant locations nationwide, to express their stance on a caste-based census and to voice objections to the central government's handling of the issue.

Chavda criticized the funding of these unrecognized parties, labeling it as the 'Modi model of scams.' He highlighted that these parties received donations exceeding those of national parties, excluding the BJP, while only fielding one or two candidates in elections.

He stated, 'This is the 'Modi model'—a method of orchestrating scams. PM Narendra Modi claims he neither accepts money nor permits others to do so. However, the truth is that he engages in transactions worth crores.'

Chavda further alleged that many of these unrecognized parties do not exist at their registered addresses, yet their financial records show turnovers in crores. He pointed out that while their expenses are minimal, their income is substantial. Despite numerous exposures and FIRs filed, no significant actions have been taken. He accused individuals linked to the BJP of utilizing these unrecognized parties' accounts for money laundering.

'I believe an SIT should be formed to investigate this matter. We have also requested that a sitting High Court judge lead the SIT to uncover the involvement of senior BJP leaders,' he stated.

Chavda expressed that public dissatisfaction is rising in Gujarat, predicting that this discontent will manifest in the 2027 assembly elections.

He noted that power and wealth are increasingly concentrated in Gujarat, benefiting only a select few, while farmers are suffering due to drought-like conditions affecting nearly half the state.

He criticized the education sector for recurring exam paper leaks and the commercialization of education, leaving many youths unemployed.

Chavda also condemned the Gujarat government's handling of law and order, citing recent hooch tragedies that resulted in multiple fatalities despite the state's prohibition laws.

He remarked that while many areas lack access to drinking water, liquor and drugs are readily available. Under the BJP's 'double-engine government,' Gujarat is becoming akin to 'Udta Gujarat,' referencing the film 'Udta Punjab,' which depicted the drug crisis in Punjab.

He announced the launch of the Jan Aakrosh Yatra, aimed at visiting every village in Gujarat to address issues faced by farmers, youth, and tribal communities whose resources are being exploited in the name of development.

'Change will commence in 2027 from the land of Gandhi, and it will resonate across the nation by 2029,' Chavda asserted.

In his critique of the central government's proposed caste census, Chavda argued that the process would be incomplete without a specific section for Other Backward Classes (OBCs).

He called for the current census questionnaire to be discarded and revised after consulting with representatives from marginalized communities and political parties.

Chavda alleged that the government has not engaged in discussions with representatives of underprivileged castes or various societal segments.