Cyient led the pack with a substantial donation of Rs 10 crore split into two transactions in November 2023. However, the specific recipients of these contributions remain undisclosed.
The revelation comes amid a gradual unveiling of data on political funding through electoral bonds. While some parties have begun sharing details of donations received, transparency remains limited, with only a handful of companies named as donors.
In May 2019, Zensar Technologies added to the contributions, providing Rs 3 crore to unspecified parties through electoral bonds. Despite attempts to reach out, responses from the companies in question—Infosys, Cyient, and Zensar Technologies—have yet to surface.
Electoral bond disclosures have gained momentum following a Supreme Court directive instructing the State Bank of India to share transaction data with the Election Commission of India. The latest data, spanning five years, reveals a total of Rs 12,769 crore in donations distributed among 24 political parties.
Among the recipients, the BJP stands out with Rs 6,986.5 crore encashed, while the Congress redeemed Rs 1,334.35 crore through electoral bonds. Trinamool Congress secured Rs 1,397 crore, making it the second-largest beneficiary after the BJP. BRS followed, receiving Rs 1,322 crore.
Meanwhile, corporate donors have made significant contributions, with Future Gaming and Hotel Services leading the pack with a staggering Rs 1,368 crore, constituting 11 percent of all electoral bonds purchased. Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd trails closely with Rs 966 crore, followed by Qwik Supply Chain with Rs 410 crore in donations.
The unfolding narrative surrounding electoral bonds underscores the complex interplay between corporate interests and political funding, raising pertinent questions about transparency and accountability in India's electoral financing landscape.
