BJP’s Major Electoral Bond Donors Revealed: Insights from Latest Election Commission Data

Electoral bonds have become a focal point of political financing, shedding light on major donors to ruling parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). According to recently released data by the Election Commission, significant contributions flowed from corporate giants such as Vedanta, Bharti Airtel, Muthoot, Bajaj Auto, Jindal Group, and TVS Motor.

In compliance of Hon’ble Supreme Court's directions, SBI has provided data pertaining to electoral bonds to ECI today ie March 21, 2024.
ECI has uploaded it on its website as received from SBI on “as is where is basis”. The data is available at this link https://t.co/VTYdeSKJmI

— Spokesperson ECI (@SpokespersonECI) March 21, 2024

BJP’s Major Electoral Bond Donors Revealed

The latest data, disclosed by the Election Commission on March 21, offers a comprehensive view of electoral bond transactions facilitated by the State Bank of India (SBI). With alphanumeric identifiers, the data enables matching donors with their respective political beneficiaries.

Key Contributors to the BJP

Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering: Rs 584 crore
Qwik Supply: Rs 395 crore
Future Gaming: Rs 100 crore
Keventers Food Park, MKJ Enterprises, and Madanlal Ltd (Kolkata): Rs 346 crore collectively
Vedanta: Rs 226 crore
Haldia Energy: Rs 81 crore
Notably, Vedanta also made substantial donations to the Congress, contributing Rs 125 crore. The BJP received additional funding from Western UP Power and Transmission (Rs 80 crore) and Welspun (Rs 42 crore).

Individual Contributions

Lakshmi Niwas Mittal: Rs 35 crore

Various individuals: Rs 10-25 crore range

Corporate Involvement Across Parties

Vedanta group supported BJP, Congress, BJD, and TMC

Bharti Airtel contributed to BJP, RJD, SAD, Congress, and Janata Dal (United)

Muthoot, Bajaj group, and Apollo Tyres among others, extended support to multiple parties, including BJP, Congress, and AAP

Moreover, pharmaceutical companies like Piramal Capital, Sun Pharma, and Torrent Pharmaceutical Limited also engaged in political financing, primarily backing the BJP.

This detailed breakdown highlights the intricate network of political financing in India, emphasizing the role of corporate entities and individual donors in shaping the electoral landscape.