Lok Sabha polls: Twenty20—the political party backed by a corporate group to field candidates from 2 seats in Kerala

Incidentally, galore firm groups precocious came nether the scanner for contributing donations via the now-defunct electoral bonds to nationalist and authorities parties, arsenic per the information shared by the State Bank of India connected the directions of the Supreme Court. 

However, determination is 1 fledgling governmental enactment which is wholly backed by a firm group. Kitex Garments- backed Twenty20 enactment successful Kerala has made a foray into the Lok Sabha polls by fielding 2 candidates.

The party's 2 candidates are Charley Paul from Chalakkudy and Antony Judy from Ernakulam. Kerala’s 20 Lok Sabha constituencies volition spell to the polls connected April 26 during the second signifier of elections.

Interestingly, the Twenty20 party's information successful elections is expected to formed a shadiness connected the prospects of mainstream parties.

ALSO READ: ₹1 crore electoral bonds marque up 96% of donations to governmental parties — Here's a denomination-wise interruption down

In the 2021 Assembly polls, Twenty20 received 42,701 votes, (27.56 per cent) successful Kunnathunad which led to the decision of the Congress candidate. 

Party’s way record 

The Twenty20 enactment is not a wholly caller governmental outfit. It is supported by Kitex Group, which is 1 of the largest producers of children’s garments successful the country. 

This enactment was formed arsenic portion of the CSR initiatives of the Kitex Group successful Kochi. It forayed into electoral authorities done municipal elections and fought polls connected the anti-alcohol movement, arsenic it promised to marque Kizhakkambalam an alcohol-free village.

During the 2020 Kerala section assemblage elections, the enactment secured 9 seats successful Aikkaranadu panchayat, 5 seats successful Kunnathunad and 5 seats successful Mazhuvannur. 

ALSO READ:  ‘Will travel backmost with sir soon…’: Jailed Arvind Kejriwal's woman Sunita says aft visiting Prachin Hanuman Mandir

This enactment had a tie-up with Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party. However, the confederation ended successful December 2023 implicit ideological differences.

Electoral bonds

Interestingly, successful the precocious released electoral bonds data, it was revealed that Twenty20 had besides contributed ₹25 crore successful governmental funding done the now-defunct electoral enslaved scheme.

Sabu M Jacob, president of Twenty20, clarified that helium was ‘forced’ to bargain electoral bonds to springiness contributions to mainstream governmental parties arsenic it was important for the endurance of his concern ventures.

He besides clarified that helium did not person immoderate undue favours from immoderate governmental enactment successful instrumentality for these contributions. 

Unlock a satellite of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time banal tracking, breaking quality and a personalized newsfeed – it's each here, conscionable a click away! Login Now!

Published: 23 Apr 2024, 11:17 PM IST