Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) revealed in its most recent analysis of donations received by political parties
BJD Emerges as India’s Richest Regional Party: It is no longer a secret that political parties in India possess assets worth approximately crores. Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) revealed in its most recent analysis of donations received by political parties that at least 24 regional parties have received donations totaling Rs 3,246.95 crore. During the period, political parties received Rs 2,132.45 billion from electoral bonds, Rs 719.69 billion from corporations, and Rs 394.8 billion from other sources.
BJD Emerges as India’s Richest Regional Party
According to the ADR report, the Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has become the country’s wealthiest regional political party between 2016-17 and 2021-22. During the six-year period, the Odisha-based party received a total of Rs 692,6 crore in contributions, with approximately 90 percent of the funds coming in the form of electoral bonds. The party received 622 crore rupees in electoral bonds, 67.28 crore rupees from the corporate sector, and 3.32 crore rupees from other sources. The current Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, founded the BJP as a dissident faction from the Janata Dal on December 26, 1997. The party’s founder currently serves as its president. The party’s headquarters are located in Forest Park, Bhubaneswar.
BRS and its overall contribution
Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), commanded by K Chandrashekar Rao, was revealed to be the second-richest party. It received donations totaling Rs 476.89 billion. Previously known as the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), the BRS is primarily active in Telangana. K Chandrashekar Rao founded it on April 27, 2001, with the sole purpose of creating a separate Telangana state.
DMK and its overall contribution
The ADR report places the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in third place among the wealthiest regional parties in India. It received donations totaling Rs 475.73 billion. The party is based in Tamil Nadu and is headed by the current chief minister, MK Stalin. Dr. C. Natesa Mudaliar founded the South Indian Liberal Federation (Justice Party) in 1916, which gave rise to the DMK.
YSR-C’s total contribution
The YSR Congress (YSR-C) organisation is regarded as India’s fourth-wealthiest regional organisation. It received donations totaling Rs 456.20 billion. The party is led by the current Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, YS Jaganmohan Reddy. The party has 151 members in the 175-member state assembly and 22 members in the Lok Sabha. It has been in power since 30 May 2019 and presently has 151 members in the state assembly and 22 members in the Lok Sabha.
Shiv Sena’s total contribution
Maharashtra-based Shiv Sena is India’s fifth-wealthiest regional organisation. It received donations totaling 267.9 billion rupees. Bal Thackeray founded this right-wing Marathi regionalist and Hindu ultranationalist political organisation in 1966. Although Shiv Sena’s primary base has always been in Maharashtra, the organisation has attempted to expand to a pan-Indian constituency. In the 1970s, the organisation progressively shifted from advocating a pro-Marathi ideology to promoting a Hindu nationalist agenda.
AAP and its overall contribution
In terms of assets, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ranks sixth among regional parties in the country. It has received donations totaling Rs 169.7 billion. It was founded by Arvind Kejriwal and his associates in November 2012, following the 2011 Indian anti-corruption movement. Punjab and the union territory of Delhi are currently governed by the AAP. The Election Commission of India officially conferred AAP National Party status on April 10, 2023.
TDP and its overall contribution
The ADR report indicates that the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) is the seventh wealthiest regional party in India. It has received donations totaling Rs 168.67 billion. The party has considerable influence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. On March 29, 1982, it was founded by the former chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, NT Rama Rao, with a focus on supporting Telugu speakers.
JD-U and its donation total
Janata Dal-United is the nation’s eighth wealthiest regional political organisation. It has received donations totaling Rs 159.39 billion. Politically, the party is primarily present in eastern and northeastern India. JD-U is recognised as a state party in Bihar, Arunachal Pradesh, and Manipur, and is a member of the Bihar government. Nitish Kumar, the chief minister of Bihar, is the party’s most senior representative, while Lalan Singh is its president.