BJP declares record ₹1,685.6 cr from electoral bonds in FY24, reports 83% increase in annual income
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reported an 83% increase in its annual income, rising from ₹2,360.8 crore in 2022-23 to ₹4,340.5 crore in 2023-24, according to its audit report filed with the Election Commission. Of this, ₹1,685.6 crore was received through electoral bonds, marking the highest ever income from bonds declared by any political party.
The Indian National Congress (INC) also saw a significant rise in its annual income, which surged by 170% to ₹1,225 crore in FY24 from ₹452.4 crore in FY23. The Congress recorded a steep 384% increase in electoral bond receipts, which rose to ₹828.4 crore in FY24 from ₹171 crore in FY23.
BJP's total expenditure for FY24 amounted to ₹2,211.7 crore, a 62% increase from ₹1,361.7 crore in the previous year. This includes ₹1,754 crore on election campaigns and propaganda. The Congress spent ₹1,025.2 crore in FY24, up by 120% from ₹467.1 crore in FY23, with ₹49.6 crore spent on Rahul Gandhi's Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra.
The BJP's total voluntary contributions in FY24 were ₹3,967 crore, including ₹1,685.6 crore from bonds, ₹236.3 crore from Aajiwan Sahayog Nidhi, and ₹2,042.7 crore from other sources. Individual donations accounted for ₹240 crore, while corporate contributions were ₹1,890 crore.
Congress’s income sources included ₹113.4 crore from individuals, ₹170 crore from corporates, ₹6.4 crore from electoral trusts, ₹828.4 crore from bonds, and ₹22 crore from membership fees and publications.
As of March 31, 2024, BJP had ₹109.2 crore in cash, ₹1,627.2 crore in bank accounts, and ₹5,377.3 crore in fixed deposits. In contrast, the Congress spent ₹4.9 crore on pre-poll surveys, a decline from ₹40.1 crore in the previous year.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Vijay says no to CM convoy until swearing-in: TVK
Chennai (PTI): TVK chief Vijay declined to accept the police convoy vehicles provided to Tamil Nadu chief minister as per protocol until his swearing-in, the party said on Thursday.
A police official confirmed that the CM convoy vehicles provided to him "as per protocol" following the announcement of the Assembly election results were returned and have not been withdrawn.
The official also said that arrangements were in place for the swearing-in ceremony.
The Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) clarified that its party founder Vijay had "personally requested that the convoy vehicles be returned". In a statement here, the TVK said: "Vijay conveyed that he would accept the official chief minister-level security only after forming the government with a decisive mandate".
Four convoy vehicles assigned to Vijay on May 4 after his TVK secured 108 seats in the Assembly polls returned from his residence following his request.
Even on May 6, the police had deployed security near his Panaiyur residence and in front of the Lok Bhavan here when Vijay called on Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to stake his claim to form the government. Vijay did not use the government vehicle to meet the Governor.
