BJP’s record-breaking income four times that of Congress with half expenses; Jaw-dropping numbers revealed

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has released a detailed report revealing that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) declared a staggering income of ₹4,340.47 crore for the fiscal year 2023-24. This accounts for 74.57% of the total income of national political parties, showcasing the BJP’s strong financial position.

According to the ADR report, the BJP managed to spend only 50.96% of its total income, amounting to ₹2,211.69 crore. In comparison, the Congress party declared an income of ₹1,225.12 crore, with an expenditure of ₹1,025.25 crore, which constitutes 83.69% of its income. This stark contrast indicates the BJP’s success in conserving a significant portion of its revenue, while Congress directed a large share of its funds toward election-related expenses.

Electoral bonds: The key income source for national parties

The report also highlights the crucial role of electoral bonds in the income of national parties. BJP emerged as the top beneficiary, raising ₹1,685.63 crore through these bonds. Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received ₹828.36 crore and ₹10.15 crore, respectively. Together, these three parties raised ₹2,524.1361 crore through electoral bonds, accounting for 43.36% of their total income. However, the electoral bond scheme faced controversy after the Supreme Court declared it "unconstitutional and arbitrary" in May of last year.

Spending trends and electoral activities

The report also sheds light on party spending, particularly during electoral activities. Congress spent ₹619.67 crore on elections, while BJP’s expenditures were significantly lower. Additionally, the report reveals that administrative and general expenses also contributed to a substantial portion of party spending.

Donations and contributions fuel income growth

National parties have also relied heavily on donations and contributions to boost their finances. The six major national parties collectively raised ₹2,669.87 crore through donations and contributions. Congress and the CPI(M) generated additional income through coupon sales, with Congress earning ₹58.56 crore and CPI(M) ₹11.32 crore.

One concerning aspect of the report is the delay in the audit reports of BJP, Congress, and CPI(M), ranging from 12 to 66 days. This delay raises questions about the transparency and timeliness of financial disclosures, potentially affecting public trust in the electoral process.