Tata Trust Donated Rs 356 Cr to BJP in 2018-2019: EC Data

BJP received over Rs 700 crore in donations through cheques and online payments during financial year 2018-19.

Half of the contributions were from Tata-contributed Progress Electoral Trust.

(Photo: The Quint)

The BJP received Rs 356 crore in donation from an electoral trust contributed by the Tatas during 2018-19, according to documents submitted by the ruling party before the Election Commission.

According to documents submitted by the party on 31 October, it received over Rs 700 crore in donations through cheques and online payments during financial year 2018-19.

Half of the contributions were from Tata-contributed Progress Electoral Trust.

The Progressive Electoral Trust gave Rs 356 crore in donation, while Prudent Electoral Trust -- India's richest trust -- gave Rs 54.25 crore in donations, according to information the BJP provided to the Election Commission.

Prudent Trust is backed by top corporate houses including Bharti Group, Hero MoroCorp, Jubilant Foodworks, Orient Cement, DLF, JK Tyres, among others.

The information provided pertains to donations of Rs 20,000 and above that was received by the party through cheque or online payments.

Donations received in form of electoral bonds were not included in the filing.

The BJP received donations from individuals, companies as well as electoral trusts.

As per the election code, political parties are mandated to disclose all donations they receive in a financial year.

At present, political parties are not required to declare the names of individuals and organisations giving less than Rs. 20,000 nor of those who donate via electoral bonds.