7 Election Trusts in the country have received donations of Rs 258 crore from corporations and individuals. The BJP got the highest amount of 82 per cent.

Election trusts were set up on behalf of political parties to solicit donations from corporations and individuals. These are non-profit organizations. Their purpose is to ensure transparency regarding the funding used by political parties for election expenses. These trusts are required to report to the Election Commission annually.

In this context, a new report by the Association for Democratic Reform (ADR) states:

In the last 2020-21 financial year, 16 out of 23 election trusts have submitted details of donations to the Election Commission. Of these, only 7 trusts reported receiving donations. It said it had received donations of Rs 258.49 crore from corporations and individuals.

Ijata in 2nd place

Of this, Rs 258.43 crore (99.98%) has been disbursed to various political parties. The BJP has been given a whopping Rs 212.05 crore (82%). Next, the United Janata Dal (UNP) has been given Rs 27 crore (10.45%).

The Congress, Nationalist Congress Party, AIADMK, DMK, RJD, Aam Aadmi Party, LJP, CPM, CBI and Lok Tantric Janata Dal have been given Rs 19.38 crore.

This is stated in a statement issued by the Democratic Reform Association.