The BJP received nearly Rs 1,473 crore at its central headquarters during the five state assembly elections held earlier this year, more than seven times the Rs 207.17 crore in net receipts reported by the Congress across its central and state units, according to expenditure statements filed with the Election Commission.
The figures relate to the election period from March 15 to May 6 and cover polls in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry.
The BJP’s receipts of Rs 1,472.8 crore were reported by its central headquarters alone. Its expenditure statements for Kerala and West Bengal are yet to be made public, indicating that its consolidated receipts for the five elections could be higher.
The BJP also recorded a significant rise in its central headquarters’ closing balance during the election period. Its funds increased from Rs 6,722.6 crore on March 15 to Rs 7,627.2 crore on May 6, a rise of Rs 904.6 crore.
In contrast, the Congress saw its funds decline. Across its central headquarters and five state units, the party started the election period with around Rs 169.06 crore and ended with approximately Rs 103.2 crore, marking a decline of Rs 65.86 crore.
BJP’s Election Expenditure
The BJP’s expenditure statements available so far show spending of around Rs 159.7 crore in Assam, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Of this, about Rs 130.4 crore was spent on general party propaganda, while the remainder went towards candidates and related expenses.
Assam accounted for the largest share, with total expenditure of Rs 96.27 crore. The party spent Rs 76.73 crore on general propaganda and Rs 19.54 crore on candidates. Advertising accounted for about Rs 37 crore, while travel by star campaigners cost around Rs 27.3 crore.
In Tamil Nadu, the BJP spent Rs 51.56 crore, including Rs 44.51 crore on general propaganda and Rs 7.05 crore on candidates. Media advertisements accounted for Rs 23.96 crore, while star campaigner travel cost around Rs 10.04 crore. Another Rs 5.85 crore was spent on publicity material.
In Puducherry, the party reported expenditure of Rs 11.90 crore, including Rs 9.19 crore on general propaganda and Rs 2.71 crore on candidates.
Congress Reports Rs 248.55 Crore Expenditure
The Congress reported total election expenditure of Rs 248.55 crore across the five states, including Rs 143 crore on general party propaganda and Rs 105.55 crore on candidates.
The party’s central headquarters spent Rs 40.52 crore on general propaganda, while its state and local units spent another Rs 102.49 crore under the same head.
Kerala accounted for the largest share of the Congress’s general propaganda expenditure at Rs 59.28 crore, followed by Assam at Rs 22.62 crore.
The figures highlight a substantial difference in the financial resources available to the BJP and Congress during the five-state election period, based on the expenditure statements made public by the Election Commission.
