Gujarat RUPPs Record Highest Income of ₹510 Crore in FY 2024-25, Finds ADR Report

According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), 29 Registered Unrecognised Political Parties (RUPPs) from Gujarat recorded the highest reported income of ₹510.41 crore during the Financial Year 2024-2025. The findings shed light on the financial disclosures and electoral performance of unrecognised parties across India.

State-Wise Financial Breakdown

• Gujarat: 29 RUPPs reported an income of ₹510.41 crore, the highest among all States.
• Delhi: 73 parties reported an income of ₹218.48 crore.
• Rajasthan: 23 RUPPs recorded an income of ₹173.36 crore.

Together, Gujarat, Delhi, and Rajasthan accounted for approximately 80.67% of the total reported income of ₹1,118.494 crore among all 734 RUPPs whose reports were accessible on respective State Chief Electoral Officer websites.

National Overview and Transparency Concerns

The ADR report analysed audit and contribution reports for FY 2024-25 across 34 States and Union Territories. Key national figures include:

• Total Income: ₹1,118.49 crore across 734 RUPPs.
• Total Expenditure: ₹1,024.6 crore.
• Total Donations: ₹1,104.36 crore.
• Missing Reports: Financial documents for 65% (1,330) of the total RUPPs remain unavailable in the public domain.

Electoral Success vs. Financial Strength

Despite declaring substantial funds, the ADR report noted that RUPPs translated little of their financial strength into electoral success. The top 15 RUPPs secured zero seats in FY 2024-25. Furthermore, between FY 2020-21 and FY 2024-25, the top 15 RUPPs collectively managed to win only one seat out of 35 contested.

Regulatory Context

Under existing rules, political parties receive income tax exemptions provided they file returns and submit details of donations exceeding ₹20,000 to the Election Commission annually. Meanwhile, the Election Commission delisted 808 RUPPs in two phases in August and September 2025 due to continuous non-contestation over a six-year period, with provisions for show-cause notices and hearings.

Readers can verify these findings by accessing audit and contribution reports published on official State Chief Electoral Officer websites or reviewing publications by the Association for Democratic Reforms.