New Delhi : In a significant development, the Election Commission has disclosed the long-awaited data on Electoral Bonds on its official website, shedding light on the intricacies of political funding in India. Following a directive from the Supreme Court, the veil of secrecy surrounding electoral contributions has been lifted, revealing the identities of major donors and the recipients of these bonds.
Contrary to expectations, the top purchasers of electoral bonds are not prominent corporate entities or industrial magnates; instead, a diverse array of companies, including several lesser-known entities, have emerged as major contributors. Interestingly, individuals have also made substantial contributions through these bonds, underscoring the multi-faceted nature of political financing in the country.
Leading the pack is Future Gaming and Hotel Services, formerly known as Martin Lottery Agencies Limited, which stands out as the largest buyer of electoral bonds, having purchased bonds worth a staggering Rs 1350 crore through two separate transactions. Despite facing scrutiny from enforcement agencies in the past, the company has surpassed all others in its financial backing of political parties.
Following closely behind is Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited, which secured the second position by purchasing electoral bonds worth Rs 966 crore. Quik Supply Chain Pvt Ltd occupies the third spot with bonds valued at Rs 410 crore, followed by Vedanta Limited and Haldia Energy Limited at the fourth and fifth positions, respectively.
The extensive list of top donors includes a mix of companies from various sectors, ranging from infrastructure and energy to hospitality and manufacturing. Notable names such as Bharatiya Group, Essel Mining and Industries, and Western UP Power Transmission Company Limited feature prominently, reflecting the broad spectrum of industries involved in political funding.
Equally significant is the revelation of the political beneficiaries of these contributions. A wide array of parties, including BJP, Congress, AIADMK, Shiv Sena, TDP, and Trinamool Congress, among others, have received donations through electoral bonds. This diverse distribution underscores the intricate interplay between political parties and corporate interests in the Indian electoral landscape.
As the electoral process unfolds, the disclosure of electoral bond data serves as a pivotal moment in promoting transparency and accountability in political financing, laying bare the intricate web of financial transactions that underpin the democratic process.