Modi's dig: If today Sudama were to give rice to Krishna, there will be a PIL in SC, corruption verdict

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's comment comes days after Supreme Court judgement striking down electoral bonds as ‘unconstitutional’.

Updated on: Feb 20, 2024, 12:06:45 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday made a veiled reference to the Supreme Court days after its judgement on electoral bonds.

Addressing a gathering in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal on the occasion of laying the foundation stone of Shri Kalki Dham, Modi hailed expelled Congress leader Acharya Pramod Krishnan.

While drawing parallels with the encounter between Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama from Hindu mythology, the prime minister said, "He (Acharya Pramod Krishnam) said that everyone has something to give but I have nothing, I can only express my feelings."

ALSO READ: SC's electoral bonds scheme verdict: How BJP stands to lose the most?

"Pramod ji, it is good that you did not give me anything, otherwise the times have changed in such a way that if in today's era, Sudama would give rice to Shri Krishna and the video would come out, a PIL would be filed in the Supreme Court and the judgment would come that something was given to Lord Krishna in corruption and Lord Krishna was doing corruption. It is better that you expressed your feelings and did not give anything," ANI quoted Modi as saying.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during the 4th groundbreaking ceremony of UP Global Investors' Summit, in Lucknow. (PTI)

Electoral bonds ‘unconstitutional’, says Supreme Court

Last week, the Supreme Court's five-judge constitution bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud in a unanimous verdict said the electoral bonds has to be struck down as ‘unconstitutional’.

ALSO READ: Electoral bonds verdict: Here are the three directions issued by Supreme Court

The apex court said that the anonymous electoral bonds scheme is ‘violative of the right to information’ under Article 19(1)(a). It said that the political parties are relevant units in electoral process and the information about funding of political parties is essential for electoral choices.

The electoral bonds scheme was notified by the Centre on January 2, 2018 and was pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring in transparency in political funding.

(With ANI inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.