A special investigation reveals that registered unrecognised political parties in Gujarat collected over ₹2,000 crore between 2019-2024, despite having locked offices and minimal electoral presence.
- Unrecognised parties in Gujarat collected over ₹2,000 crore in donations from 2019 to 2024.
- Major recipients include Bharatiya National Janata Dal and New India United Party.
- Physical verification revealed locked offices and a lack of actual political activity.
A startling special investigation has uncovered that registered unrecognised political parties in Gujarat collected over two thousand crore rupees in donations between 2019 and 2024. Based on data analyzed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the findings suggest a systemic exploitation of political registrations for financial purposes.
Ground checks conducted across Gujarat, Delhi, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh revealed a disturbing trend: several of these parties exist primarily on paper. The Bharatiya National Janata Dal emerged as a primary recipient, bagging ₹957.44 crore, while The New India United Party secured over ₹600 crore. However, a visit to the latter's registered Ahmedabad office found the premises locked and devoid of any identifying signage.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this phenomenon points toward a sophisticated mechanism for tax evasion and money laundering. When parties with zero electoral viability attract massive funding from large donors, it suggests that these entities are being used as shells to move capital under the guise of political contributions, which often enjoy tax exemptions.
The scale of funding for parties with no electoral footprint is a red flag for the integrity of India's democratic financing.
Further evidence was found in the case of the Satyavadi Rakshak Party, which collected over ₹330 crore in 2023-24 but fielded only one candidate in Vadodara, who finished last. The party was found to be operating from a locked flat in Anand. Similarly, the Aam Janmat Party (₹220 crore) and Saurashtra Janata Paksha (₹200 crore) were found to have shut offices despite their massive coffers.
Historical Background
The issue of 'shell' political parties is not new in India. For years, the Election Commission has struggled to monitor the thousands of registered unrecognised political parties (RUPPs). These entities often exploit Section 13A of the Income Tax Act, which allows political parties to receive tax-exempt donations, making them attractive vehicles for corporate tax avoidance.
| Party Name | Donations Received (Approx) | Operational Status |
|---|---|---|
| Bharatiya National Janata Dal | ₹957.44 Crore | Paper Entity |
| New India United Party | ₹600 Crore+ | Locked Office |
| Satyavadi Rakshak Party | ₹330 Crore | Negligible Participation |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is a registered unrecognised political party?
A: It is a party registered with the Election Commission that has not yet met the criteria (vote share or seats) to be officially 'recognised' as a state or national party.
Q2: Why are these parties receiving such huge amounts?
A: It is suspected that these parties serve as conduits for laundering black money or avoiding corporate taxes.
