A recent study by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) highlights the staggering amounts spent by political parties during elections in India. This research sheds light on how these parties gathered and used their funds in the competition for power.

BJP Leads the Spending
The study reveals that 22 political parties collectively had access to Rs 18,742.31 crores for election expenses. Among these parties were the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Indian National Congress (INC), and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to name a few.
In total, an impressive Rs 3,861.57 crores was spent in this fierce political contest. The BJP stood out, spending Rs 1,737.68 crores, which is over 45% of the total expenditure.
When it comes to fundraising, Rs 7,416.31 crores were raised across all parties, and the BJP won a staggering 84.5% of this total. This reveals the party’s significant advantage in attracting donations compared to others.
Understanding the Impact of Spending
Political finances can greatly influence election outcomes. A study from the Centre for Media Studies in 2022 found that higher spending directly correlates with the likelihood of winning seats. This means the parties with deeper pockets often have an edge in shaping their campaigns and reaching voters.
Current trends on social media also reflect concerns among citizens regarding the transparency of campaign financing. Many users express skepticism about how funds are utilized and push for reforms that ensure accountability.
In summary, the enormous funds at play raise important questions about democracy in India. As campaigns grow costlier, understanding the implications of such spending is vital for voters seeking to engage in the political process.
For more details, check the full report from CHRI here.
Source link
political parties,ECI Election Commission of India,Election Expenditure