On March 11, the big bosses at the Supreme Court told SBI (a major bank) that they need to tell the Election Commission who’s been giving money to politicians through something called electoral bonds. It’s kind of like telling someone to show the receipts. SBI did what they were told and handed over the details right before the deadline on March 12. This is a big deal because usually, where the money comes from in politics is kept under wraps. But now, by 5 pm on March 15, the Election Commission has to put all this info out there for everyone to see on their website.
Here are the total amounts merged company-wise from the provided data by SBI & Election Commission:
- Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR – ₹1,368 crores
- Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited – ₹966 crores
- Quick Supply Chain Private Limited – ₹410 crores
- Vedanta Limited – ₹400 crores
- Haldia Energy Limited – ₹377 crores
- Bharti Group (Airtel) – ₹247 crores
- Essel Mining and Industries Limited – ₹224 crores
- Western UP Power Transmission Company – ₹220 crores
- Keventer Food Park Infra Limited – ₹194 crores
- Madanlal Limited – ₹185.5 crores
Source from Election Commission: https://www.eci.gov.in/disclosure-of-electoral-bonds
Wrapping up our dive into the recently released data by the Election Commission on electoral bond contributions, it’s clear that the curtains have been pulled back on political funding in India. The detailed breakdown of company contributions to political parties gives us a rare glimpse into the financial mechanics that power the electoral engine.
This move towards transparency is not just about numbers; it’s a step forward in holding political entities and their benefactors accountable in the public eye. The disclosures, prompted by the Supreme Court’s directive and brought to light through the compliance of SBI, mark a pivotal moment in our democratic journey. As citizens and voters, accessing this information empowers us to question, critique, and ultimately understand the financial influences shaping our political landscape. The release of this data by the Election Commission awaited and now unveiled, serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of democracy and the continuous effort needed to nurture its transparency and integrity.
