According to recent data released by the Election Commission, Megha Engineering & Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), a significant contributor of electoral bonds to the BJP, has emerged as the top donor to the Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS), led by former Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao.
MEIL, headquartered in Telangana, donated a substantial sum of Rs 195 crore to the BRS, alongside being a major donor to the BJP. The company’s prominence in the political arena is noteworthy, especially considering its pivotal role in winning contracts exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore for various phases of the extensive Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in 2016.
The BRS, since April 12, 2019, has redeemed electoral bonds totaling Rs 1,383 crore, positioning itself as the fourth-largest beneficiary after the BJP, TMC, and Congress. Notably, between October 11, 2018, and April 10, 2019, bonds worth Rs 192.6 crore were redeemed, with an additional Rs 1191.15 crore redeemed from May 2019 to December 2023.
However, data from the Election Commission revealed that purchaser details for electoral bonds worth Rs 23.55 crore were absent, indicating their purchase before April 12, 2019.
Aside from MEIL, the top 10 donors to the BRS included four infrastructure companies and three healthcare and pharmaceutical firms. Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital notably contributed Rs 94 crores to the BRS during its tenure in power in the state. This revelation comes amid allegations by Congress leader Revanth Reddy, now the state Chief Minister, who accused KCR’s relatives, purportedly managing Yashoda Hospitals, of acquiring land worth crores at significantly discounted rates in April 2023.
Other significant donors to the BRS include construction firm Chennai Greenwoods Private Limited and pharmaceutical company Hetero Drugs and Labs, each contributing Rs 50 crore to the party. These disclosures highlight the intricate ties between businesses and political entities, underscoring the complexities of political funding in India’s democratic landscape.
