An investigation of Election Commission filings revealed that six small, unrecognised political parties in Gujarat collectively received more funding in 2023-24 than every national party except the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Despite the large sums, these parties fielded only one or two candidates in elections, prompting questions about the money’s source and purpose. Gujarat Congress president Amit Chavda highlighted the findings at a press conference, alleging that some of these parties do not operate from their registered addresses, report crores in turnover with minimal expenses, and may be used for money laundering by individuals connected to the ruling party, though he presented no direct evidence.
Chavda demanded a special investigation team headed by a sitting High Court judge to look into the matter, stating that authorities have taken no decisive action despite media exposure and past police complaints. During the press conference, which was part of a multi-city Congress campaign regarding a proposed nationwide caste census, Chavda also demanded a distinct column for Other Backward Classes in the census questionnaire. Furthermore, he criticized the state government over fatal illicit liquor incidents and water shortages, and announced a state-wide Congress outreach campaign targeting farmers, unemployed youth, and tribal communities ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.
Election watchdogs have increasingly scrutinized unrecognised political parties for receiving outsized donations because they face fewer disclosure requirements than recognised parties while retaining eligibility for certain tax exemptions. State BJP leaders have not yet issued a detailed public response regarding the donation figures cited in the report.