Post Lok Sabha elections 2024, six parties had over Rs 4,300 crore more in their kitties than they had before polls

Six political parties, including BJP, TDP, CPM, LJP (Ram Vilas), Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF), and All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), ended the 2024 General Election with more funds than they had before the polls. According to an analysis by Venkatesh Nayak, Director of the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), these parties not only retained their initial funds but also managed to raise more during the campaign period.

The report shows that the combined 'closing balance', the cash and bank deposits , of 22 major political parties after the 2024 General Election was 31% higher than their 'opening balance' when the poll process began. These 22 parties, including national parties like BJP, Congress, CPM, AAP, and BSP, alongside regional ones like Trinamool Congress, DMK, BRS, and YSR Congress, started with an opening balance of Rs 11,326 crore. During the campaign, they raised Rs 7,416 crore and spent Rs 3,861.6 crore, leaving them with a total of Rs 14,848 crore by the end of the election.

BJP's Financial Power

Unsurprisingly, the BJP led the list with the highest opening balance of Rs 5,922 crore and an impressive closing balance of Rs 10,107 crore. The party raised Rs 6,268 crore during the campaign while spending Rs 1,738 crore. The BJP's closing balance increased by Rs 4,185 crore, the largest gain among the parties analysed.

The Congress, despite being the main opposition party, had a much lower opening balance, ranking ninth. By the end of the election, it slipped further to the 12th position in terms of closing balance.

Where Did the Money Go?

According to the analysis, the 22 parties together spent Rs 992.4 crore on media advertisements. Additionally, seven parties spent Rs 196.2 crore on social media and virtual campaigning. Star campaigners' travel costs amounted to Rs 830 crore, while Rs 395.5 crore was used for publicity material and Rs 130 crore for public meetings.

A total of Rs 26.7 crore was spent on advertising the criminal backgrounds of their candidates, with the BJP leading the expenditure with Rs 9 crore, followed by BSP at Rs 5.9 crore and Congress at Rs 3.3 crore.

A Glimpse of Power

These 22 parties fielded 1,595 candidates, with 480 of them winning seats in the 18th Lok Sabha , over 88% of the House's strength. Notably, the BJP alone raised 84.5% of the total funds received by all 22 parties and accounted for 45% of the total campaign expenditure.

Inputs from TOI