As SBI Seeks Extension For Electoral Bond Disclosure, Congress Accuses Government Of Concealing 'Donation Business'

In a recent development, the State Bank of India (SBI) has requested an extension until 30 June to disclose details about electoral bond donors to the Election Commission of India.

Earlier, the Supreme Court had directed SBI to provide all information to the commission by 6 March, to be published on its website by 13 March.

However, SBI argues that the time frame is insufficient due to the complex nature of electoral bond data management.

In its application, SBI said, "Twenty-two thousand two hundred seventeen (22,217) electoral bonds were used for making donations to various political parties. Redeemed Bonds were deposited in the Mumbai Main Branch by the Authorized Branches at the end of each phase in sealed envelopes. With two different information silos, this would mean a total of forty-four thousand four hundred thirty-four (44,434) information sets would have to be decoded, compiled, and compared."

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"It is respectfully submitted that the three-week timeline fixed by the court would not be sufficient for the entire exercise to be completed. Therefore, an extension of time may kindly be granted to enable the SBI to comply with the judgment," the application read.

Meanwhile, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge has accused the Narendra Modi government of exploiting SBI to conceal alleged "dubious dealings" through electoral bonds.

Kharge said that the BJP wants the SBI to share the details after 30 June, by when the Lok Sabha elections would be over.

Adding to allegations, in a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said: "Narendra Modi has put his entire force in order to hide the 'donation business'."

"When the Supreme Court has stated that it is the right of the people of the country to know the truth about electoral bonds, then why does the SBI not want this information to be made public before the elections?" he asked.

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