<h1>Ruling party spent Rs 1,494 crore in 2024 elections, opposition Rs 620 crore, transparency concerns raised</h1> The ruling party spent approximately Rs 1,494 crore, representing 44.56% of total election expenditure during the 2024 general elections, according to a poll rights organization. The main opposition party followed with Rs 620 crore or 18.5% of expenses. Thirty-two national and regional parties collectively spent Rs 3,352.81 crore during the parliamentary and simultaneous state assembly elections. Publicity expenses dominated spending at Rs 2,008 crore (53%), followed by travel costs at Rs 795 crore. The analysis revealed significant delays in mandatory expenditure statement submissions, with some parties filing reports 139-168 days late. Several transparency concerns were flagged, including unavailable statements from 21 parties and two parties declaring zero expenditure despite contesting elections.