Company that won Rs 1.15 lakh crore, Rs 14,400 crore projects is 2ndbiggest buyer of Electoral Bonds
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has met the Supreme Court's deadline by publishing data on electoral bonds, shedding light on the controversial practice of political funding in the country. However, the revelations have sparked concerns over transparency and potential influence peddling.
Among the significant findings, India's leading lottery company, helmed by the contentious businessman Martin Santiago, emerged as the top purchaser of electoral bonds. This revelation has drawn sharp scrutiny, particularly given Santiago's past associations and ongoing controversies surrounding his company's financial activities.
Following closely behind is the Megha group of companies, comprising Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) and Western U.P. Power Transmission Company Ltd (WUPPTCL), which has raised eyebrows with its substantial contributions to electoral bonds. MEIL's purchased 966 bonds, each worth Rs 1 crore, totaling Rs 966 crore, along with WUPPTCL's acquisition of bonds worth Rs 220 crore.
The Megha group is headquartered in Hyderabad and has won several government projects, including many works part of the Rs 1.15 lakh crore Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project in Telangana, and the Rs 14,400 crore Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel Project in Maharashtra.
MEIL was also the largest donor to Prudent Electoral Trust in 2022-23, contributing Rs 83 crore to the trust that distributes money to political parties.
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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.
