Tata Group's Electoral Trust donated Rs 356 crore to BJP in 2018-1

This donation does not include donations provided by electoral bonds

(PTI) New Delhi, Ta. November 12, 2019, Tuesday

According to a document submitted to the Election Commission, the Tata Group's Electoral Trust had given a donation of Rs 356 crore to the BJP in FY 2018-1.

According to information provided by the BJP to the Election Commission on October 31, it received a total donation of Rs 700 crore through check and online donations in Fiscal 2018-1. Half of that donation is funded by the Progressive Electoral Trust, which controls the Tata group.

India's richest trust, Prudent Electoral Trust, donated Rs 54.25 crore to the BJP. Prudent Trust has the backing of companies including Bharti Group, Hero MotoCorp, Jubilant FoodWorks, Orient Cement, DLF, JK Tire.

However, the Millennial Donation by Electoral Bond has not been included in this amount. This amount is only included in the amount received through check and online payment.

It is worth mentioning that donations in excess of Rs 20,000 are accepted through check and online payment only. BJP received donations from individuals, companies and electoral trusts in the financial year 2018-1, as shown in the document submitted to the Election Commission of India.

According to the Election Code, political parties will have to disclose all donation amount received in the financial year. At present, political parties do not have to declare the name of the donor or electoral bond donor for less than Rs. 20,000.