New Delhi, A recent report has unveiled a significant lack of transparency in the funding of Indian political parties, revealing that nearly 60% of their funds come from untraceable sources. The findings, published by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), underscore ongoing concerns regarding the opacity of political financing in India, particularly through mechanisms like electoral bonds.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the ADR’s thorough analysis of audit reports and financial statements submitted by major Indian political parties to the Election Commission of India highlights a persistent trend of undisclosed contributions. From the financial years 2004-05 to 2022-23, it was found that six prominent political parties amassed a staggering INR 19,083.08 crore from unidentified donors.

The current regulations exempt parties from disclosing donations under INR 20,000, a loophole that facilitates the inflow of unaccounted funds. The ADR’s report for the fiscal year 2022-23 alone identified INR 1,832.87 crore—over 59% of total party income—as deriving from such anonymous sources. Notably, electoral bonds emerged as a predominant channel, accounting for 82.42% of the undisclosed funds during the same period.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was highlighted as the principal beneficiary, receiving INR 1,400.23 crore from opaque sources, which constituted over three-quarters of the total income from such avenues across all parties. In comparison, the combined income from unknown sources for the other five parties, including the Congress, CPI(M), BSP, AAP, and NPP, amounted to INR 432.63 crore.

The ADR’s findings have ignited a broader debate on the need for reform in political finance laws to enhance accountability and transparency within India’s democratic framework. The substantial share of undisclosed funding raises critical questions about the influence of anonymous donors on the political landscape and governance in the country.