NEW DELHI: The Election Commission on Thursday uploaded
electoral bonds
data as shared by the
State Bank of India
(SBI), on its website.
Donors to political parties through electoral bonds include Grasim Industries, Megha Engineering, Piramal Enterprises. Apollo Tyres, Lakshmi Mittal, Edelweiss, PVR, Keventer, Sula Wine, Welspun, Sun Pharma among buyers of electoral bonds.
"In compliance of Supreme Court's directions, contained in its order dated February 15 and March 11, 2024 (in the matter of WPC NO.880 of 2017), the State Bank of India (SBI) had provided the data pertaining to the electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 12, 2024," the election commission said in a statement.
"The Election Commission of India has today uploaded the data on electoral bonds on its website as received from SBI on as is where is basis," it added.
The data can be accessed at this url: https://www.eci.gov.in/candidate-politicalparty
"It may be recalled that in the said matter, ECI has consistently and categorically weighed in favour of disclosure and transparency, a position reflected in the proceedings of the Hon'ble Supreme Court and noted in the order also," EC said.
The State Bank of India had submitted a compliance affidavit to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, confirming that it has provided the Election Commission of India with comprehensive details regarding the
electoral bonds scheme
.
SBI had furnished information including the date of purchase, the names of the purchasers, and the denominations of the electoral bonds.
Electoral bonds have been a subject of intense debate and scrutiny, as they are used by individuals and corporations to anonymously donate money to political parties.
The Supreme Court had earlier directed SBI to share detailed information with the Election Commission to ensure transparency and accountability in political funding. In addition to the details of the purchasers, SBI has also provided the EC with information regarding the date of encashment of the electoral bonds and the names of the political parties that received the donations.
This move is aimed at enhancing the transparency of political contributions and ensuring that the funds are traceable and accounted for.
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