New Delhi, Sep 10: Around 40 regional political parties reported a combined income of ₹2,532.09 crore for the financial year 2023-24, with over 70% of funds coming through electoral bonds, according to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) topped the list with ₹685.51 crore, followed by Trinamool Congress (₹646.39 crore), Biju Janata Dal (₹297.81 crore), Telugu Desam Party (₹285.07 crore), and YSR Congress (₹191.04 crore). These five parties accounted for 83% of the total declared income.
ADR noted a sharp 45.77% increase in total income compared to FY 2022-23, when the combined income was ₹1,736.85 crore. Donations through electoral bonds contributed ₹1,796.02 crore, while other voluntary contributions added ₹321.82 crore and interest income ₹274.90 crore.
Audit reports of 20 parties were not available on the Election Commission’s website even after 313 days from the due date, with delays ranging from 12 to 216 days.
Of the 40 parties, 27 declared part of their income unspent, including BRS (₹430.60 crore), TMC (₹414.92 crore), and BJD (₹253.79 crore). Conversely, 12 parties, including YSR Congress, DMK, and Samajwadi Party, reported expenses exceeding their income, with YSR Congress overshooting by nearly 55%.
The ADR report also highlighted that out of ₹4,507.56 crore redeemed via electoral bonds in FY 2023-24, national parties accounted for 56% and regional parties 40%. Only three national parties—BJP, Congress, and AAP—received electoral bond donations during the year. (Agencies)
