BJP accounted for nearly 45% of election spending during 2024 LS polls: Report
New Delhi: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) received the highest donations and spent nearly Rs 1,494 crore during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the simultaneous polls held in four states, a report by the non-governmental organisation Association for Democratic Reforms said on Friday.
While the Hindutva party received Rs 6,268 crore as donation or 84.18% of the total funds collected by political parties during the 82-day election period from March 16 to June 6 last year, the Congress received from Rs 592.48 crore or 7.96% of the total amount.
Among the 32 political parties that the report analysed, the BJP spent a whopping Rs 1,493.91 crore while the Congress had the second highest expenses at Rs 620.14 crore, or 18.50% of the total expenditure during the election period.
In total, political parties spent Rs 3,352.81 crore during last year’s Lok Sabha election and Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim. The other main parties that spent the most were YSR Congress (Rs 325.67 crore), BJD (Rs 278.03 crore), and Trinamool Congress (Rs 147.68 crore).
When it comes to publicity, BJP once again topped the list at Rs 983.92 crore while the Congress spent Rs 502.97 crore, according to the report. This included media advertisements, publicity material, and public meetings.
Additionally, parties spent Rs 795.41 crore on travel, out of which Rs 765.36 crore, or 96.22%, was spent on travel expenses of star campaigners.
Interestingly, the Association for Democratic Reforms noted delays by political parties in submitting expenditure statements with the Election Commission. The highest delay was by the Aam Aadmi Party (168 days) followed by the BJP (139 days for the Lok Sabha elections, 154 days for Arunachal Pradesh, 147 days for Sikkim and 142 days for Andhra Pradesh and Odisha).
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MYAS launches quiz on national flag, 25 top-scorers to get trip to Siachen with Mandaviya
New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI): The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has launched an online quiz on the national flag and 25 top-scoring participants in the age bracket of 21 to 29 will get an opportunity to visit Siachen with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The quiz, according to the ministry, will "foster patriotism and enhance awareness about the Indian National Flag."
"This online quiz, hosted on the MYBharat portal (mybharat.gov.in), invites all citizen to participate and test their knowledge about the Tricolour," the ministry stated.
It will consist of multiple-choice questions and all contestants will be awarded an e-certificate.
"As a grand incentive, 25 top-scoring participants will be selected for a remarkable opportunity to visit Siachen in the company of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya," the ministry said.
"The selection of winners for the Siachen visit will be limited to youth between the ages of 21 and 29. The final selection of the 25 winners will be conducted through a computer-based lottery system from the pool of top scorers," it added.
