14 Major Pharma companies bought Electoral Bonds worth whopping 584 crores
Hetero Drugs that manufactured “life-saving drug” during COVID, bought bonds worth Rs. 25 crores
Netizens ask “Why were these money paid for? - For Drug Approvals? - For Licenses?”
New Delhi: The recent data released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) regarding electoral bonds has sparked controversy and raised serious concerns about the influence of pharmaceutical companies on the political landscape. According to the data, major pharmaceutical corporations, including Dr. Reddy’s Labs, Torrent Pharmaceuticals, and Natco Pharma, have made substantial contributions to political parties through electoral bonds.
Among the top contributors, Dr. Reddy’s Labs stands out with a significant contribution of ₹84 crores, followed closely by Torrent Pharmaceuticals with ₹78 crores. Other prominent pharmaceutical companies, such as Natco Pharma, Divis Laboratories, and Aurobindo Pharma, have also made substantial contributions ranging from ₹52 crores to ₹57 crores.
One of the most alarming revelations is the contribution made by Hetero Drugs, a primary manufacturer of Remdesivir, a drug widely used in the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Despite being marketed as a "life-saving drug," Remdesivir had become a subject of controversy due to its high cost and availability issues. The data shows that Hetero Drugs paid ₹25 crores in electoral bonds, raising questions about the motives behind such contributions.
The significant financial support provided by pharmaceutical companies to political parties has led to widespread skepticism and mistrust among the public. Many are questioning the integrity of these companies and their involvement in the political process. The revelation has also fueled concerns about potential corruption and the influence of corporate interests on government policies, particularly in the healthcare sector.
Several netizens questioned the medicines manufactured by these companies, as they rely on these medications for their health and well-being.
Critics have condemned the practice of pharmaceutical companies using electoral bonds and questioned if the bonds were used as a means to gain favor with political parties and secure favorable treatment from the government.
“How is this anger not justified? Ourselves & our loved ones consume medicines from these companies on a daily basis. What were these money paid for? - For Drug Approvals? - For Licenses? How can we trust them? If this is not Corruption. Then what else is?” one of the users wrote on Twitter.
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
