BJP election spending hits Rs 529 crore across five states, Bengal accounts for 54%

The BJP spent Rs 529.38 crore during the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala and West Bengal, with West Bengal accounting for more than half of the total expenditure, according to election expenditure statements submitted to the Election Commission. The Election Commission maintains expenditure statements filed by recognised political parties.

Of the total spending, Rs 286.99 crore was incurred in West Bengal. The figures cover expenses incurred or authorised during the election period, from the announcement of the polls until their completion.

The five states went to polls between March and May, with the West Bengal election period listed as March 15 to May 6, 2026.

Bengal campaign accounted for Rs 286.99 crore

The BJP’s West Bengal statement shows Rs 217.16 crore under general party propaganda and another Rs 69.83 crore towards candidate-related expenditure.

The candidate-related expenses included Rs 58.80 crore in lump-sum payments to candidates. The party also reported Rs 6.09 crore spent on public meetings, processions and related arrangements linked to candidates, along with Rs 2.50 crore for publishing their criminal antecedents.

Travel and advertising formed a significant part of the campaign expenditure. The BJP’s central headquarters reported Rs 51.50 crore on travel expenses for star campaigners in West Bengal, while Rs 55.76 crore went towards media advertisements for general party propaganda.

Across the five states, the party spent Rs 96.26 crore in Assam, Rs 82.67 crore in Kerala, Rs 51.56 crore in Tamil Nadu and Rs 11.89 crore in Puducherry, according to the filings.

Kerala report shows Rs 1,494 crore in receipts

The BJP reported gross election expenditure of Rs 82.67 crore in Kerala. This included Rs 54.93 crore on general party propaganda and Rs 27.74 crore on candidate-related expenditure.

The Kerala statement also records Rs 1,494.38 crore in gross receipts during the election period. The filing shows the party’s combined closing balance for its central headquarters and Kerala state, district and local units at Rs 768.91 crore.

For West Bengal, the corresponding combined closing balance stood at Rs 7,793.88 crore, against an opening balance of Rs 6,782.65 crore, according to the expenditure statement.