The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has spent Rs 1,737.68 crore to contest the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, The Indian Express reported. This is nearly three times the Congress party’s total expenditure of Rs 584.65 crore for both the parliamentary and four state elections in the same year. The BJP’s spending increased by 37% compared to its Rs 1,264.33 crore expenditure in the 2019 elections, according to the party’s report submitted to the Election Commission.
Breaking down BJP’s Spending
The report, made public by the Election Commission, revealed that the BJP allocated Rs 1,492.39 crore for “general party propaganda” and Rs 245.29 crore on candidates. The party won 240 seats in the election, forming a government with its NDA allies.
A significant portion of the BJP’s spending—35% or Rs 611.50 crore—was directed towards advertisements on TV, print media, social media, and other platforms. Of that, Rs 156.95 crore went to Google India, and Rs 24.63 crore went to Facebook.
The party also spent Rs 168.92 crore on travel for key campaigners like party president J P Nadda and Union Ministers Amit Shah and Rajnath Singh. Other expenses included Rs 55.75 crore on publicity materials and Rs 19.84 crore on organizing public meetings.
Delay in Report Submission
The BJP’s expenditure report was submitted late, well after the Election Commission’s 90-day deadline. In the cover letter accompanying the report, the party apologized for the delay.
In comparison, Congress spent Rs 584.65 crore in the 2024 elections, with 70% of the spending going towards advertisements.