After Adani, It’s Megha’s Turn in Maharashtra
• Electoral Bonds Open Maharashtra’s Doors to Megha
• Expose and Ban: TV9’s Role in Shielding Corporate Corruption
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Hyderabad-based Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited (MEIL), known for its massive electoral bond donations to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is now rapidly expanding its footprint in Maharashtra’s redevelopment sector. The Mahayuti government has awarded Megha Infra a major hydroelectric project, further cementing its growing influence in India’s urban development landscape.
According to documents accessed by the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT), Megha Infra has secured the contract to develop a 200-megawatt hydroelectric power project in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Maharashtra Cabinet Sub-Committee recently approved the project, which will be developed from Jalgaon district to Soygaon Taluka under the supervision of the Tapi Irrigation Development Corporation.
Also Read: Mumbai’s Illegal School Scam Exposed
• MEIL: Political Donations and Strategic Project Allocations
The entry of Megha Infra into Maharashtra’s infrastructure market comes against the backdrop of controversy surrounding electoral bond donations. As per data released by the Election Commission of India, Megha Engineering purchased electoral bonds worth ₹586 crore, making it the largest single donor to the BJP.
Following these donations, Megha Infra was awarded several prestigious government projects, including the crucial Zojila Tunnel project in Jammu and Kashmir. In addition, the company expanded its reach into the media sector by acquiring the influential TV9 Media Group. Notably, Megha also made contributions to various regional political parties, including Telangana’s Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), Tamil Nadu’s YSR Congress Party, JD(S), Janasena Party, and JD(U), strengthening its cross-party political network.
• MEIL: Megha Infra’s Rapid Rise in Mumbai’s Redevelopment Landscape
Founded by industrialist P.P. Reddy, Megha Engineering began as a small enterprise before rebranding as Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Ltd (MEIL) in 2006. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Megha’s growth has been meteoric. Between FY 2019–20 and FY 2023–24, the company purchased electoral bonds worth ₹966 crore and expanded operations across key sectors such as dams, natural gas distribution, energy production, and road construction.
Sources in the Maharashtra Urban Development Department revealed to Sprouts SIT that Megha Infra is likely to secure additional contracts under Mumbai’s cluster redevelopment initiatives, smart city projects, and infrastructure upgrades. This development could alter the competitive dynamics of Mumbai’s ₹2 lakh crore redevelopment pipeline, which has historically been dominated by groups like Adani Realty and Lodha.
MEIL: Media Ownership and Allegations of Information Suppression
The acquisition of the TV9 Media Group by Megha Infra has raised serious concerns regarding media independence. According to findings by the Sprouts News Special Investigation Team (SIT), there are growing indications that TV9’s editorial policies are being influenced to suppress negative coverage related to Megha Infra’s business practices and corruption allegations.
Insiders suggest that TV9 has deliberately minimized or ignored reports on project irregularities linked to Megha Engineering, raising ethical questions about media transparency in India’s redevelopment ecosystem.
Sprouts SIT strongly urges the Government of Maharashtra and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to initiate a thorough inquiry into Megha Infra’s business operations and media influence strategies. Additionally, Sprouts calls for the government to consider regulatory action against TV9 Media Group to prevent manipulation of public opinion and safeguard democratic discourse in urban development policymaking.
• MEIL: Maharashtra’s Redevelopment Policies Face a Critical Test
The rise of politically connected infrastructure giants like Megha Infra underscores the urgent need for stricter transparency and governance norms in Maharashtra’s redevelopment policies. As Mumbai and other major cities embark on massive urban renewal efforts, ensuring fair competition, protecting public interest, and maintaining media independence are critical to the sustainable growth of India’s urban centers.
Failure to address these issues could lead to long-term risks, undermining both redevelopment initiatives and public trust in the system.
