Nagpur: More worms are coming out of the electoral bond can. As the debate over electoral bonds intensifies, recent revelations have shed light on potential improprieties surrounding significant donations made by big companies to political parties. Nagpur connection is emerging with every revelation.
Dhariwal Infrastructure Ltd (DIL), operators of a coal-based thermal power plant in Chandrapur, reportedly donated a staggering Rs 115 crore to various political entities. The Dhariwal Infrastructure Ltd has emerged as the top donor from Vidarbha. This revelation has sparked concerns regarding the nexus between political contributions and government actions, particularly in Maharashtra.
DIL, known for its 2 X 300 MW thermal power plant in Chandrapur, has emerged as one of the top donors from Vidarbha, raising questions about the motives behind such substantial contributions. Despite controversies surrounding the company’s environmental impact, including allegations of high pollution levels and damage to agricultural land due to fly-ash discharge, it has continued to garner political favour.
The Maharashtra Government’s procurement of power from the Dhariwal power plant, despite reported operational issues and environmental concerns, has drawn criticism. The decision to purchase power from a facility under scrutiny for pollution raises doubts about the influence of corporate donations on governmental actions.
This plant was in headlines for causing high pollution.
Recently, a high-level inquiry by Joint Secretary was ordered into high pollution allegedly caused by Dhariwal power plant in Tadali MIDC near Chandrapur city. It was reported that the 600 MW coal based power plant is using old machinery, causing high pollution that is affecting around 15 villages.
It was reported that the fly-ash discharged from the power plant is damaging crops on around 100 acres in surrounding agricultural fields. However, the company has never paid any compensation to the affected farmers.
Warora Chandrapur Ballarpur Toll Pvt Ltd
Further compounding the issue, another company, Warora Chandrapur Ballarpur Toll Pvt Ltd, allegedly donated Rs 7 crore to a political party through electoral bonds. This company, linked to a prominent infrastructure conglomerate in Nagpur, has raised suspicions about potential quid pro quo arrangements between corporations and political parties.
Questions now arise regarding the true nature of these contributions—whether they were made in anticipation of political favors or as a gesture of gratitude for past actions. The lack of transparency surrounding electoral bonds, coupled with allegations of environmental violations and corporate influence, underscores the urgent need for comprehensive campaign finance reform.
Amid growing public scrutiny and calls for accountability, demands for a thorough investigation into these donations have amplified. The revelation of such significant contributions raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process and the extent of corporate influence on political decision-making.
As the controversy unfolds, stakeholders are urging authorities to probe the matter diligently to ensure transparency, accountability, and the preservation of democratic principles in electoral funding. The outcome of these investigations may have far-reaching implications for the regulation of political finance and the safeguarding of democratic institutions against undue influence.
