The data released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) shows that the ruling BJP amassed a significant portion, amounting to ₹2,361 crore out of the total ₹ 3,077 crore collected by the six major national parties for the fiscal year 2022-23, revealing a significant financial disparity among national political parties
The ADR, relying on the Election Commission's records, disclosed that the BJP's income witnessed a substantial 23.15% increase from ₹1,917.12 crore in FY 2021-22 to ₹2,360.84 crore in FY 2022-23. This robust financial standing constitutes 76.73% of the total income earned by all six national parties combined.
In contrast, the Indian National Congress reported the second-highest income, amounting to ₹452.375 crore, forming 14.70% of the total income. The ADR noted a 16.42% decrease in the Congress's income between FY 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Among the other parties, the National People's Party (NPP) experienced an astonishing 1502.12% increase in income, reaching ₹7.562 crore in FY 2022-23 from ₹47.20 lakh in the previous fiscal year. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), led by Arvind Kejriwal, saw its income surge by 91.23%, reaching ₹85.17 crore.
However, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and the Congress witnessed declines in income by 12.68%, 33.14%, and 16.42%, respectively.
The financial data also shed light on the expenditure patterns of these parties. Despite its substantial income, the BJP spent only 57.68% of its total income, amounting to ₹1,361.684 crore. On the other hand, the Congress reported an expenditure exceeding its income by 3.26%, with a total spending of ₹467.135 crore against an income of ₹452.375 crore.
CPI(M) allocated 74.87% of its income for expenditures, with AAP surpassing its income by 19.82%, spending ₹102.051 crore against an income of ₹85.17 crore.
This financial disclosure by ADR provides a comprehensive overview of the fiscal health of major political parties, raising questions about financial management and transparency within the political landscape of the country.