The Big Fight: Who Funds Our Netas?

Demonetisation was aimed at curbing black money - a substantial portion of which is used for political funding. Following on those steps, the government has reduced the limit for cash donations to political parties from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2,000 and issued electoral bonds which hope to ensure any donation above the threshold has to be paid in cheque or through digital means. Is it enough to to clean the electoral funding? Or is more transparency required to ensure black money is not routed through political parties? Critics argue that the electoral bonds will ensure that the donors remain anonymous while ensuring more contribution from individuals, corporates and organisations who have a vested interest in the government policies. So is state funding and bringing all political parties under RTI the way forward? Has the government done enough to clean the system and make every donation to parties traceable and accountable? Do write to us at bigfight@ndtv.com on what should be the steps that the government needs to take to ensure a transparent funding of political parties.