55% of regional party funds from unknown sources in FY20

Around 55% of the funds received by regional parties in India in FY20 came from unknown sources, according to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms. The Hindu reports that these are donations made without disclosing donor details, primarily through electoral bonds, sale of coupons, and miscellaneous income. Income from known sources, where donor details are provided to the Election Commission, accounted for only 23% of total funds. The remaining 22% came from other known sources like assets, membership fees, and bank interest.

Five parties, TRS, TDP, BJD, YSRCP and DMK, received most of their funds through unknown sources, almost entirely via electoral bonds. In contrast, the AIADMK received close to Rs 90 crore but with less than 10% from unknown sources. The total income for the selected regional parties in FY20 was Rs 803.24 crore. Notably, about 14 regional parties, including the RJD and AJSU, submitted total income figures to the ECI but did not provide details of known sources of income.