A social media post by Mumbai-based writer Kranti Kumar has drawn attention to the donations received by little-known political parties during 2023-24. Citing data from the Election Commission and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Kumar claimed that six such parties received nearly Rs 1,700 crore in donations despite fielding only one or two candidates each in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The figures mentioned in his post include Rs 620 crore for Aam Janmat Party, Rs 138 crore for Garib Kalyan Party, Rs 330 crore for Satyavadi Rakshak Party, Rs 219 crore for Swatantra Abhivyakti Party, Rs 200 crore for New India United Party and Rs 191 crore for Bharatiya National Janta Party.
BBC visits party offices
The claims come amid a BBC investigation into political parties that received large donations despite limited electoral activity. The investigation examined six registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs), including Aam Janmat Party and Garib Kalyan Party. The parties examined by BBC received more than Rs 100 crore each in 2023-24.
According to the investigation, the six parties fielded a combined 15 candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, despite receiving substantial donations. Aam Janmat Party, which received Rs 620 crore in 2023-24, fielded one candidate.
Offices found closed
The BBC investigation also looked at the registered addresses of the parties. Several offices were found closed when journalists visited.
In one case, the registered office of Satyavadi Rakshak Party in Anand was found locked. The party had reported Rs 330 crore in donations in 2023-24 and fielded one candidate in the Lok Sabha election.
The investigation also found that four of the six parties had registered offices in the same area of Ahmedabad, while the remaining two were elsewhere in Gujarat.
The BBC said its findings raised questions about transparency surrounding the finances and activities of these parties, while noting that those it spoke to were not being accused of economic crimes.