Total income of 32 regional parties ₹321 crore in 2016-17; Samajwadi Party richest: ADR report | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Total income of 32 regional parties 321 crore in 2016-17; Samajwadi Party richest: ADR report

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | ByHT Correspondent
May 22, 2018 10:25 PM IST

These 32 regional parties declared a total expenditure of ₹435.48 crore during 2016-17, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said in a report.

The Samajwadi Party (SP) earned an income of 82.76 crore in 2016-17, the highest among regional parties recognised by the Election Commission and also spent the most that year, incurring an expenditure of 147.1 crore, says a report released on Tuesday by the election watchdog, Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

The total income of 32 regional political parties in 2016-17 was <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>321.03 crore, with the Samajwadi Party showing the highest amount of <span class='webrupee'>₹</span>82.76 crore.(PTI File Photo)
The total income of 32 regional political parties in 2016-17 was 321.03 crore, with the Samajwadi Party showing the highest amount of 82.76 crore.(PTI File Photo)

To be sure, the magnitude of that expenditure can be directly correlated with the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections in early 2017.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

The ADR report is based on the analyses of the total income and expenditure incurred by 32 of the 48 regional parties in financial year 2016-17, as declared by the parties in their income tax returns submitted to the EC.

Even though a November 2014 order of the EC makes it mandatory for parties to submit details of their audited reports, ADR says 16 regional parties did not comply with the order, the cutoff date for which was October 31, 2017.

Among the 16 parties are Aam Aadmi Party, All India Forward Bloc, Goa Forward Party, Hills State People’s Democratic Party, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, Karnataka Janta Paksha, Rashtriya Janata Dal, and United Democratic Party.

“We issue reminders periodically to defaulters and if they don’t comply then we issue notices, if they still do not comply, then the parties become liable for action under Para 16A of the Election Symbols (Reservation & Allotment) Order, 1968, which allow the EC to suspend or withdraw recognition of a recognised political party for its failure to observe model code of conduct or follow the lawful directions and instructions of the Commission,” said an EC official who asked not to be identified.

Parties that did not submit audit reports for 2015-16 include Indian National Lok Dal, Maharashtra Gomantak Party, Jammu & Kashmir People’s Democratic Party, All India United Democratic Front, and Kerala Congress (M). HT could not reach out to AIUDF president Badruddin Ajmal. An INLD spokesperson said the party had submitted its details for 2014-15. NC didn’t respond until the time of press.

As per the report the total income of all 32 regional parties for FY 2016-17, was 321.03 crore. The richest party, the SP, was followed by the Telugu Desam Party ( 72.92 crore) and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam ( 48.88 crore).

The most common sources of income were grants, donations, contributions, income from interest earned on fixed deposits; while the common and popular sources of expenditure were elections, administrative and general expenses, the report notes.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On