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12 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernanceEconomyNEWS

BJP's Election Funds 75 Times Greater Than Congress: Maken

BJP's Election Funds 75 Times Greater Than Congress: Maken

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Congress treasurer Ajay Maken revealed in the Rajya Sabha that the BJP possesses 75 times more funds than the Congress in its official election account. Maken argued that this resource imbalance undermines the level playing field necessary for a healthy democracy.

He accused the government of using agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department to deprive the Congress of funds and prevent donations. Maken also alleged bias on the part of the Election Commission, citing examples like the Bihar government's scheme rollout during the Model Code of Conduct.

Key Facts

1.

BJP's bank balance increased from ₹87.96 crore in 2004 to ₹10,107.2 crore in 2024.

2.

Congress's bank balance increased from ₹38.48 crore in 2004 to ₹133.97 crore in 2024.

3.

BJP had ₹10,107.2 crore, while the Congress had ₹133.97 crore in 2024.

4.

Ajay Maken accused the government of using the Enforcement Directorate and Income Tax Department against the Congress.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Role of Election Commission in ensuring fair elections

2.

Impact of money power on electoral outcomes

3.

Transparency and accountability in political funding

4.

Use of investigative agencies during elections

Visual Insights

More Information

Background

Political funding in India has historically been opaque, leading to concerns about corruption and undue influence. Various committees, such as the Goswami Committee and the Vohra Committee, have highlighted the need for reforms.

Latest Developments

The current news highlights the disparity in election funds between major political parties, raising questions about a level playing field and the role of investigative agencies.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Election Commission of India (ECI): 1. The ECI is a constitutional body responsible for conducting free and fair elections to the Parliament and State Legislatures. 2. The ECI has the power to disqualify candidates found guilty of electoral malpractices. 3. The expenses of the ECI are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The ECI is a constitutional body (Article 324), has powers to disqualify candidates, and its expenses are charged on the Consolidated Fund of India.

2. In the context of recent discussions on political funding, which of the following statements accurately describes the Electoral Bond Scheme?

  • A.Electoral Bonds are interest-bearing instruments issued by the Reserve Bank of India.
  • B.Donors purchasing Electoral Bonds must disclose their identity to the Election Commission.
  • C.Electoral Bonds can be redeemed only by political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
  • D.The scheme mandates that all political parties must receive at least 50% of their funding through Electoral Bonds.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Electoral Bonds can be redeemed only by political parties registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. The other statements are incorrect.

3. Which of the following is NOT a recommendation of the Dinesh Goswami Committee related to electoral reforms?

  • A.State funding of elections
  • B.Banning of opinion polls during the election period
  • C.Strengthening the Election Commission's powers
  • D.Introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)
Show Answer

Answer: B

The Dinesh Goswami Committee recommended state funding of elections, strengthening the Election Commission's powers, and the introduction of EVMs. It did not recommend banning opinion polls.

4. Assertion (A): A significant disparity in financial resources between political parties can undermine the principle of free and fair elections. Reason (R): Unequal access to media, campaign resources, and outreach capabilities can create an uneven playing field, favoring parties with greater financial strength. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
  • B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
  • C.A is true, but R is false.
  • D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why a disparity in financial resources can undermine free and fair elections.

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