BJP Sees 54% Surge in Voluntary Contributions for 2024-25

Voluntary contributions to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) experienced a significant increase of nearly 54%, reaching Rs 6,125 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25. This rise from Rs 3,967 crore in the previous fiscal year more than offsets the party’s anticipated revenue losses due to the Supreme Court’s decision to eliminate electoral bonds in February 2024. The BJP previously earned approximately Rs 1,686 crore through this funding mechanism.

The removal of electoral bonds, which allowed anonymous corporate donations, coincided with a dramatic increase in declared corporate contributions to the BJP. According to the party’s annual audit report, corporate donations surged to Rs 5,422 crore, up from Rs 1,885 crore in 2023-24. This growth reflects a shift in funding strategies as the party adapts to new regulations regarding political donations.

In contrast, the Indian National Congress reported a total income of Rs 918 crore and an expenditure of Rs 1,112 crore in its own 2024-25 audit. The Congress party also witnessed a nearly 54% drop in receipts from grants and donations, falling to Rs 522 crore from Rs 1,130 crore in the previous year. This decline can be attributed to the loss of electoral bonds, through which Congress raised around Rs 828 crore in 2023-24.

Individual donors significantly increased their contributions to the BJP, with a total of Rs 641 crore received, up from Rs 240 crore in the previous fiscal year. Overall, the BJP declared a total income of Rs 6,769 crore, a substantial rise from Rs 4,340 crore in 2023-24. The income sources included Rs 6,125 crore from voluntary contributions, Rs 634 crore in bank interest, Rs 5.7 crore from fees and subscriptions, and Rs 4.5 crore classified as “other income.”

Expenditure Overview

On the expenditure side, the BJP reported spending a total of Rs 3,775 crore in 2024-25, with Rs 3,335 crore allocated for election propaganda. This amount is nearly double the Rs 1,754 crore spent in the same category during 2023-24. The Congress party’s election expenditure for the same period was Rs 896 crore, a rise from Rs 620 crore in the previous fiscal year.

The BJP’s highest expenditure was on electronic media publicity, which reached approximately Rs 1,125 crore, compared to Rs 435 crore in 2023-24. Other significant costs included nearly Rs 107 crore for hoardings, Rs 583 crore for air travel, and Rs 313 crore in financial assistance to candidates. Additionally, the BJP allocated Rs 91 crore for rallies and protests, while meeting expenses amounted to nearly Rs 52 crore.

The BJP commenced the fiscal year 2024-25 with a general fund opening balance of Rs 9,170 crore and concluded the year with a surplus of Rs 2,995 crore, resulting in a closing balance of Rs 12,164 crore. This financial performance underscores the party’s strong fundraising capabilities and strategic adjustments in response to regulatory changes in political financing.