From: [email protected]
Dear friends across India, Delhi has just given a smashing victory to an anti-corruption party opening up a rare opportunity to turn off the tap of dirty money corrupting Indian democracy. Let’s use the moment to make it happen! Nearly 75% of all major political parties’ income is from undeclared sources -- a major funnel for black money. These parties claim most of their donations are under 20,000 rupees which doesn’t require them to maintain any records. That's no longer good enough. The BJP government, still shaken by the Delhi election rout, recognises that the voters’ mood has changed and transparency is non-negotiable. Let’s push for all contributions big or small to be publicly reported by ALL parties. This could be a game changer for Indian democracy. When we reach 500,000 signatures, we'll work with Indian citizen volunteers to deliver the call to the government and heads of all parties. Act now and tell everyone to join: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/root_out_black_money_from_indian_politics/?tta Political parties exploit a legal loophole that requires them to only disclose contributions over 20,000 rupees, but any amount can be broken down to Rs. 19,999 chunks -- which then disappear into their coffers -- untaxed, unaccounted. Enormous sums are vanishing this way -- the last parliamentary and state assembly elections cost over 30,000 crore rupees -- making it the second-most expensive in world history! Income tax authorities want to investigate AAP, Congress and 50 other entities for allegedly taking money from “dubious” sources. But they found out about this only because AAP lists all its donations on its website, unlike other parties. Between 2004-2011 the Congress had a staggering 1,950 crores from unknown sources and the BJP over 950 crores! But no one is investigating the BJP. Major parties do not want their skeletons tumbling out -- but they’re feeling the heat after the Delhi elections. This is why we must act now. Let’s make black money in Indian politics an issue no party can run away from and demand all donations are recorded and available publicly. Sign and share this widely: https://secure.avaaz.org/en/root_out_black_money_from_indian_politics/?tta Our community has challenged government and corporate corruption across the world -- from fraud in the banking sector in the UK to pushing for greater transparency in legislation in Brazil. Election financing lies at the core of corruption in all major democracies like India, UK, US and elsewhere. People-power can change that. With hope and determination, Ricken, Luis, Emma, Alex, Risalat and the entire Avaaz team More Information: Delhi election: Arvind Kejriwal's party routs Modi's BJP (BBC News) http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-31294500 Delhi election results: 5 reasons why AAP winning Delhi is historic (India Today) http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/delhi-elections--arvind-kejriwal-5-reasons-aap-winning-delhi-historic/1/418065.html I-T department serves notice on AAP, Congress http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/aap-gets-it-notice-over-donation-says-ready-for-probe/arti... Over 75% of parties income from opaque source: report (The Hindu) http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/major-parties-yet-to-disclose-source-of-funding-report/article... Campaign finance in India: Black money power (The Economist) http://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2014/05/campaign-finance-india AAP funds scam: Isn't BJP's Rs.950 crores from unknown sources more immoral? (Firstpost) http://www.firstpost.com/politics/aap-donor-scam-isnt-bjps-rs-950-cr-from-unknown-sources-more-immor... Avaaz.org is a 40-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 18 countries on 6 continents and operates in 17 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here, or follow us on Facebook or Twitter. You are getting this message because you signed "Root out black money from Indian politics" on 2015-02-12 12:05:26 using the email address [email protected]. To ensure that Avaaz messages reach your inbox, please add [email protected] to your address book. To change your email address, language settings, or other personal information, contact us, or simply go here to unsubscribe.To contact Avaaz, please do not reply to this email. Instead, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact or call us at +1-888-922-8229 (US).
