As bonds chase power, unknown smaller parties rue empty coffers

In extreme cold, the 21 young men sleep on the floor on a chatai in a big hall with some blankets and quilts for cover

- RITU SARIN

AMONG THE POLITICAL parties that have submitted declarations of money received through electoral bonds to the Election Commission of India are hundreds of small ones; a majority honestly stating 'nil receipts, many emphasising they haven't received any donation as yet', and still some others candidly admitting they have just embarked on their political 'journey'.

From Janam Maran Party to Sacho Sach Party and from Tipu Sultan Party to Jalwa Dal, many of these do not ring a bell probably beyond their neighbourhood, and are categorised as registered but not recognised political parties. They do make a mark though in the 523 declarations made public by the poll body on Sunday.

What is clear from the declarations of at least a score of parties is they haven't quite understood the EC's requirement and have hastily dispatched their audited account or bank balance statements.