The ruling party accounted for over 84% of total donations received by 32 political parties and led campaign expenditure with a focus on publicity, travel, and advertisements, according to data analysed by the Association for Democratic Reforms

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received the highest political donations and reported the most expenditure during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and concurrent state assembly polls, according to a report released on Friday by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a private election watchdog.

Of the Rs 7,445.56 crore in total donations declared by 32 national and regional parties to the Election Commission, the BJP alone accounted for Rs 6,268 crore—a staggering 84.18 per cent. In contrast, its principal rival, the Indian National Congress, received Rs 592.48 crore, or 7.96 per cent of the total. Among other parties, the YSR Congress received Rs 171.75 crore, followed by the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) with Rs 107.93 crore and the CPI(M) with Rs 62.74 crore.

The five national parties collectively garnered Rs 6,930.24 crore (93.08 per cent), while regional parties received a relatively modest Rs 515.32 crore (6.92 per cent).

In terms of expenditure, the BJP again led the pack, spending Rs 1,493.91 crore—44.56 per cent of the total Rs 3,352.81 crore declared by all parties. Congress trailed with Rs 620.14 crore (18.5 per cent). Regional players such as YSR Congress (Rs 325.67 crore), Biju Janata Dal (BJD) (Rs 278.03 crore), and Trinamool Congress (Rs 147.68 crore) followed in the spending charts.

A breakdown of expenses revealed that publicity was the largest expenditure head, with Rs 2,008.29 crore (53.52 per cent) spent by all parties. Travel costs amounted to Rs 795.41 crore, while Rs 402.17 crore went to lump-sum payments to candidates.

nterestingly, while BJP led in overall spending, the BJD emerged as the top spender on digital campaigns, with Rs 83.03 crore. Congress followed with Rs 47.69 crore, whereas the BJP spent a relatively modest Rs 1.06 crore in this category.

On publicity specifically, BJP allocated Rs 983.92 crore, including Rs 715.54 crore for advertisements, Rs 187.68 crore for publicity material, and Rs 80.69 crore for public meetings. Congress, in comparison, spent Rs 422.05 crore on advertisements, Rs 73.72 crore on publicity material, and just Rs 7.19 crore on public meetings.

Travel expenses were significant too. BJP spent Rs 439.46 crore on campaign travel, primarily for its star campaigners, while Congress allocated Rs 112.53 crore under the same head.

Political parties are mandated to submit detailed expenditure statements to the Election Commission within 90 days of a Lok Sabha election and 75 days of an Assembly poll. However, ADR noted delays in compliance—with AAP’s report filed 168 days late and BJP’s submission also beyond the stipulated deadline.

The report raises pertinent questions about transparency, compliance, and the growing influence of high-value campaigns on India’s electoral process.