New Delhi: The combined income of 36 recognised state political parties fell sharply in FY 2024-25, dropping by Rs 1,270.23 crore compared with the previous year, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
Based on audited accounts, ADR said the parties reported total revenue of Rs 1,192.94 crore in 2024-25, down from Rs 2,463.17 crore in 2023-24 — a decline of 51.57%.
Despite the fall in income, the 36 parties together declared expenditure of Rs 1,433.07 crore, which is Rs 240.12 crore (about 20%) more than their total revenue. ADR noted that 21 parties spent more than they earned.
Among the parties, the Telugu Desam Party reported the highest revenue at Rs 228.31 crore (19.14% of the total), followed by Trinamool Congress (Rs 219.35 crore) and YSR Congress Party (Rs 140.39 crore). On the spending side, YSR Congress Party reported the highest expenditure at Rs 340.20 crore, followed by Biju Janata Dal (Rs 288.44 crore) and Trinamool Congress (Rs 227.59 crore).
ADR also said 15 parties retained unspent income as reserves, with Telugu Desam Party holding the largest amount at Rs 166.98 crore. Voluntary donations remained the biggest source of funds, contributing Rs 702.36 crore, or 58.88% of total revenue.
