The Bharatiya Janata Party has received highest contribution of funds during the 2004 elections, which deposed it from power, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Monday.
In a written reply, Minister for Law and Justice H R Bhardwaj said the BJP received Rs 34,15,46,289, followed by the Congress which received Rs 32,05,55,643 during the same period.
There are 870 political parties registered with the Election Commission of India, he said and added that only 338 have contested in at least one general election to the Lok Sabha or Legislative Assembly.
Funding of these two political behemoths, was followed by Shiv Sena (Rs 4,09,40,000), Rashtriya Vikas Party (Rs 3,89,60,602), Telugu Desam (Rs 1,53,47,692), Samajwadi Party (Rs 1,12,94,044).
The funding of the rest hovered between six- and five-figures.
However, after its ascent to power, the funding of Congress aggregated to Rs 5,96,63,692, leaving BJP behind at Rs 3,61,56,111 in the current year.
Presenting a list of funding of 26 parties, Bhardwaj said Section 29C of Representation of People Act requires political parties to submit details of contributions they receive.
