52 mins ago

Six Unrecognised Gujarat Parties Reportedly Earned ₹1,700 Crore

Six small political parties based in Gujarat reported receiving a very large amount of money.

Together, they earned about ₹1,700 crore during 2023-24.

This was more than the combined income reported by five national parties, excluding the BJP.

However, the six parties put forward only 15 candidates in the 2024 General Assembly elections.

The Aam Janmat Party received the largest amount, about ₹620 crore.

It fielded just one candidate.

Reports said that several party offices were closed and that their leaders did not want to comment.

The Association for Democratic Reforms also said many registered unrecognised parties do not disclose their financial records.

An official filing and the parties’ activities may therefore receive greater public scrutiny.

Key facts

Combined income: About ₹1,700 crore in financial year 2023-24.
Candidates fielded: 15 candidates collectively in the 2024 General Assembly elections.
Aam Janmat Party donations: ₹620 crore in 2023-24, compared with ₹216 crore in the previous financial year.
Other reported donations: Satyawadi Rakshak Party: about ₹330 crore; Swatantrata Abhivyakti Party: ₹219 crore; New India United Party: ₹200 crore; Bharatiya National Janta Dal: ₹191 crore; Garib Kalyan Party: ₹138 crore.
National-party comparison: Five national parties excluding the BJP reported combined income of about ₹1,480 crore and fielded 893 candidates.
Cumulative income: The six parties reportedly earned ₹2,316 crore between 2019 and 2024.
Financial disclosure: ADR said 73% of nearly 2,800 registered unrecognised political parties had not disclosed financial records.

wionews.com · 52 mins ago