Ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Congress spent approximately ₹585 crore on both the general election and the assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. The party allocated nearly ₹410 crore to media campaigns and advertisements, which made up the bulk of its expenses.
Virtual Campaigning Costs
In addition to traditional media, Congress spent around ₹46 crore on virtual campaigns using social media platforms, mobile apps, and other digital methods to reach voters.
Air Travel for Star Campaigners
A significant portion of the party’s budget, approximately ₹105 crore, was spent on air travel for its star campaigners, including party leaders such as Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and others. These funds covered extensive travel during the election campaign.
Financial Support to Key Candidates
Congress also allocated ₹11.20 crore as lump sum payments to its key Lok Sabha candidates, including Rahul Gandhi, to help them contest the elections.
Advertising and Publicity Material
During the campaign, the party spent around ₹68.62 crore on printing posters, banners, hoardings, and other promotional materials.
Congress’s Financial Reserves and Receipts
At the time of the election announcement, Congress had ₹170 crore in deposits and received additional gross receipts of ₹539.37 crore, which included ₹13.76 crore in cash deposits.
Tax Disputes and Election Results
The party had raised concerns over a cash crunch after some of its accounts were frozen by the Income Tax department due to previous disputes. However, these accounts were later de-frozen after court intervention. Despite the financial hurdles, Congress won 99 out of 543 Lok Sabha seats, positioning itself as the principal opposition party as BJP secured its third consecutive term in power.
