The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reported a substantial increase in voluntary contributions, with figures rising by 54% to reach Rs 6,125 crore for the financial year 2024-25. This surge in donations has significantly boosted the party's overall financial standing.
The BJP's annual audit report, submitted to the Election Commission, reveals that voluntary contributions accounted for the largest share of the party's income, totaling Rs 6,124.85 crore out of a total income of Rs 6,769.14 crore. In the previous financial year, 2023-24, the party had received Rs 3,967.14 crore through voluntary contributions. The party's total expenditure for 2024-25 stood at Rs 3,774.58 crore. After accounting for income and expenditure, the BJP reported a surplus of Rs 2,994.56 crore for 2024-25, which has been carried over to the party's general fund.
A significant portion of the BJP's income came from electoral trusts, which contributed Rs 3,112 crore. This amount represents approximately 82% of the total funds donated by trusts to political parties in 2024-25. Prudent Electoral Trust emerged as the largest contributor, donating Rs 2,668 crore to 15 political parties, with the BJP receiving Rs 2,180.7 crore of that amount.
The BJP's election expenditure nearly doubled in 2024-25, reaching Rs 3,335.36 crore, compared to Rs 1,754.06 crore in the previous year. This increase is attributed to the 18th Lok Sabha elections and eight Assembly elections held during that period. Of the total election expenditure, a substantial amount was spent on advertisements and publicity, totaling Rs 2,257.05 crore. Electronic media advertising accounted for the largest component within publicity, amounting to Rs 1,124.96 crore, followed by Rs 897.42 crore on other advertisements. The party also spent Rs 583.08 crore on travel via aircraft and helicopters and provided Rs 312.90 crore as financial assistance to candidates.
The audit report also revealed that the BJP earned Rs 634.09 crore from interest on bank deposits and Rs 5.70 crore through fees and subscriptions. The party's closing balance for the financial year was Rs 12,164.14 crore, including Rs 9,996.12 crore in cash and cash equivalents. The BJP's significant financial resources have positioned the party with a substantial advantage in the political landscape. The increase in voluntary contributions reflects growing political support for the party.
