Nearly 70% of the income of the various national political parties in India is from unknown sources, revealed Association for Democratic Reforms popularly known as ADR in its recently done analysis. An ADR analysis of the Income Tax returns and statements filed by these parties with the Election Commission of India (ECI) shows that their sources of income remain largely unknown. ADR analysed the income of 6 National parties (INC, BJP, BSP, NCP, CPI and CPM) and 51 Regional parties between Financial Year 2004-05 to 2014-15. Total income of these parties ADR study reveals that between the FY 2004-05 and 2014-15, the income of these six national, as well as 51 regional parties, was a staggering Rs 11, 367.34 crores. But almost 70% from unknown sources Out of the total income of Rs 11, 367.34 crores, a lion’s share of 69% which would make it Rs 7,832.98 crores is from unknown sources. Then how do these parties manage this game The political parties while filling they are IT returns mention the income, but not the source of it. At present, political parties are not required to reveal the name of individuals or organisations giving less than Rs. 20,000. As a result, over two-thirds of the funds cannot be traced and are from ‘unknown’ sources. Political parties take advantage of this loopholes and don’t bother to declare the names of the donors. According to ADR study, the total income of political parties from known donors
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