According to a recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the top spender in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, accounting for a significant 44.56% of the total election expenditure, which amounts to approximately Rs 1,494 crore. The Congress party followed as the second-highest spender, with an expenditure of Rs 620 crore, constituting 18.5% of the total expenses analyzed across 32 national and regional parties. These parties collectively spent Rs 3,352.81 crore in the Lok Sabha and simultaneous assembly elections held across multiple states.
The ADR report sheds light on the financial aspects of the 2024 elections, highlighting the vast disparities in spending among political parties. The BJP's expenditure nearly doubles that of the five other national parties combined, which stood at Rs 1,230.92 crore. A substantial portion of the BJP's expenses, specifically Rs 1,755 crore, was allocated to "election campaigns" and "general propaganda," marking it as the largest expenditure category for the party. This included significant spending on publicity, media advertisements (print, electronic, bulk SMS campaigns, and promotional content across various platforms), and campaign-related travel. Financial assistance to candidates also formed a notable part of the BJP's expenditure.
In comparison, the Congress party spent Rs 1,025.24 crore, representing 83.69% of its total income. Out of this, Rs 619.67 crore was directed towards election expenses, while Rs 340.70 crore was allocated for administrative and general expenses.
The ADR report also highlights the sources of funding for these political parties. The BJP declared the highest income at Rs 4,340.47 crore, which is 74.57% of the total income of all national parties. The Congress followed with an income of Rs 1,225.11 crore, constituting 21.04% of the total. Electoral bonds played a significant role in the funding, with the BJP receiving Rs 1,685.62 crore, the Congress receiving Rs 828.36 crore, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) receiving Rs 10.15 crore through this instrument. Donations and contributions also formed a substantial part of the income for national parties, with the BJP receiving the highest amount at Rs 3,967.14 crore, followed by the Congress at Rs 1,129.66 crore.
Transparency concerns were raised in the ADR report, as some parties delayed submitting their mandatory expenditure statements to the Election Commission of India (ECI). While the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), National People's Party (NPEP), and AAP submitted their reports on time, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], Congress, and BJP submitted their reports after delays of 12, 53, and 66 days, respectively.
The significant spending in the 2024 elections raises questions about the influence of money in Indian politics and the potential impact on the democratic process. Experts have called for a cap on party spending to ensure a level playing field for all players and protect the integrity of Indian democracy. The current legal framework only caps the money candidates can spend, leaving a loophole for parties to fund lavish campaigns without technically violating any law.
