Electoral Bonds Data Revealed: Major Donors and Political Parties Exposed

The State Bank of India has disclosed data to the Election Commission of India regarding electoral bonds, revealing major donors and their contributions between April 12, 2019, and January 24, 2024.

One of the prominent contributors identified is Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR, headed by Santiago Martin, which donated a substantial amount totalling ₹1,368 crores through electoral bonds.

The Enforcement Directorate had previously taken action against Future Gaming and Hotel Services PR for alleged violations under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002.

Among political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the top beneficiary of electoral bonds, accounting for over 47.5% of the total bonds encashed.

The All India Trinamool Congress, Congress, Bharat Rashtra Samithi, Biju Janata Dal, and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam were among the other major parties that received significant sums through electoral bonds during this period.

In total, 22 companies donated more than ₹100 crore each through electoral bonds, with firms like Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited, Qwik Supply Chain Private Limited, and Haldia Energy Limited featuring prominently.

Additionally, notable buyers of electoral bonds include Grasim Industries, Piramal Enterprises, Apollo Tyres, and Sun Pharma, among others, indicating a wide range of entities participating in the political funding process.

The Supreme Court‘s recent directive led to the timely release of this data by the Election Commission, shedding light on the financial interactions between corporations, individuals, and political parties through the electoral bond scheme.