In a recent disclosure by the Election Commission, it was revealed that several leading liquor manufacturing companies in Bharat have been involved in purchasing electoral bonds. These bonds, totaling approximately Rs 34.54 crore, were acquired between April 2019 and January 2024. Among the prominent names on this list are Radico Khaitan Limited, Sula Vineyards Pvt Ltd, and Som Distilleries Private Limited.
Radico Khaitan Limited, known for its brands like 8PM Whisky and Magic Moments Vodka, purchased bonds worth Rs 5 crore in April 2019. With origins dating back to 1943, Radico Khaitan has emerged as a significant player in the Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) industry. Similarly, Sula Vineyards Pvt Ltd, a key player in the Indian wine industry, invested Rs 25 lakh in electoral bonds on the same date.
The disclosure also sheds light on Himadri Khan Country Spirit Bottling Plant, which bought bonds worth 70 lakh in July 2021. This West Bengal-based company, operating for 17 years, specializes in the manufacture of wines. Som Distilleries Private Limited, a company with a diverse portfolio including spirits and beers, invested Rs 3 crore in electoral bonds in July and October 2023.
Other notable entities in the electoral bond transactions include Chhattisgarh Distilleries Limited, Prakash Distilleries and Chemical Company, Mount Everest Breweries Ltd, and Associated Alcohol and Breweries Ltd. These companies have been actively participating in the electoral bond market, collectively contributing millions of rupees towards political funding.
Castle Liquors Private Limited, Candy Spirits Private Limited, Northern Spirits Ltd, KD Liquor and Fertilizer Pvt Ltd, and Mardi Gras Liquor Division are also mentioned in the disclosure. Castle Liquors Private Limited alone purchased bonds worth 7.5 crore in multiple transactions. These revelations highlight the significant involvement of liquor manufacturers in political funding through electoral bonds.
Electoral bonds have been a subject of controversy, with concerns raised regarding transparency and accountability in political funding. Critics argue that the anonymity associated with these bonds allows for undisclosed contributions to political parties, potentially compromising the integrity of the democratic process. The inclusion of liquor manufacturing companies in the list further fuels debates surrounding the regulation of electoral financing in India.
As the debate continues, stakeholders call for greater transparency and accountability measures to ensure the fairness and integrity of the electoral process. The disclosure by the Election Commission serves as a reminder of the need for comprehensive reforms in political funding mechanisms, addressing loopholes that may undermine the democratic principles of the nation.
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