The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spent a total of Rs 529 crore during the latest assembly election cycle across various Indian states, which concluded last May. According to the party's expenditure statement submitted to the Election Commission, more than half of this amount was spent in a single state—West Bengal.
According to a report by the Indian Express, the central party office spent a combined total of Rs 529.38 crore for the assembly elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, and West Bengal. Out of this, Rs 286 crore was spent in West Bengal alone. Following the election period, the BJP's closing fund balance, including bank deposits and cash on hand, stood at Rs 7,689 crore, after receiving Rs 1,494 crore during the election timeframe.
Having secured power in West Bengal for the first time, the party spent Rs 217.16 crore on general party campaigning and Rs 69.83 crore as expenditure for candidates, of which Rs 58.80 crore was disbursed directly to candidates. According to the expenditure details, the BJP spent Rs 96.26 crore in Assam, Rs 82.67 crore in Kerala, Rs 51.56 crore in Tamil Nadu, and Rs 11.89 crore in Puducherry.
While individual candidates face strict spending limits for contesting elections, political parties are permitted to incur unlimited expenses for electoral campaigns. Following each election, political parties are required to submit detailed accounts of their expenditures, which include costs incurred on travel, rallies, advertisements, and promotional materials.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by International • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
