Shimla, March 31- 65% of the funds collected by political parties remain largely unknown- ADR
The analysis of Income Tax Returns and donations statements filed with the Election Commission of India (ECI) shows that more than 65% of the funds collected by political parties remain largely unknown. According to the report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), political parties in India do not disclose the name of individuals or organizations that donate less than Rs. 20,000 nor those who donate via Electoral Bonds.
The data compiled by ADR displays that the National Political Parties collected Rs 17,249.45 cr from unknown sources between FY 2004-05 and 2021-22.
During FY 2021-22, BJP declared Rs 1161.0484 cr as income from unknown sources which is 53.45% of the total income of National Parties from unknown sources.
AITC declared Rs 528.093 cr as income from unknown sources which is 24.3111 % of the total income of National Parties from unknown sources.
Out of Rs 2172.231 cr as income from unknown sources, share of income from Electoral Bonds was Rs 1811.9425 cr or 83.414 %.
The total income of 8 National political parties in FY 2021-22 was Rs 3289.34 cr, out of which Rs 780.774 cr came from known donors, Rs 336.335 cr from other known sources, and Rs 2172.231 cr from unknown sources.
The ADR report highlights that full transparency is not possible under current laws, and it is only the Right to Information (RTI) that can keep citizens informed.
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