As of FY25, 19 electoral trusts were registered; 13 had filed reports by December 2025, nine made substantial donations, and four reported nil contributions.
Among other poll promises, the industrialist-politician has said he'll give scholarships to poor girls. People, however, feel this election is different & 'won't be a cakewalk for anyone'.
Ensuring free and fair elections, democratic governance, and limiting quid pro quo demands political funding regulations that go beyond the age-old methods.
Striking down the bond scheme on 15 February, the court had ordered the bank to furnish details of purchasers and redeemers by 6 March. The bank wanted time till 30 June.
For the Supreme Court to bless the SBI’s plea for an extension in electoral bonds case until 30 June would be tantamount to stamping on the spirit of democracy while performing its rituals.
The issues raised by the SBI do not appear to be germane to the Supreme Court’s direction. The court’s directions brook no ambiguity: furnish information from record.
Given its predicted loss, India’s opposition now will have the luxury of time to create a new, simpler, low-tech, face-to-face, patient politics that is not dependent on big money or even expensive data.
The ‘great rivalry’ angle was also blown out of proportion, given that India now holds a handsome record of wins against Pakistan in T20 World Cup matches—8-1.
This is the game every nation is now learning to play. Some are finding new allies or seeing value among nations where they’d seen marginal interest. The starkest example is India & Europe.
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