New Delhi, April 11: The share of Bharatiya Janata Party in the total income generated by all national parties in 2016-17 amounts to nearly 66 per cent. In its annual audit report submitted to the Election Commission, the BJP showed an income of Rs 1,034 crore – two-third of all seven national political outfits combined.

The Election Commission on Monday said the seven parties – BJP, Congress, CPI(M), BSP, NCP and CPI – recorded a total income of Rs 1,559 crore for the year. The richest party after the BJP was Congress, which showed an annual income of Rs 225 crore.

The Congress' income plunged from Rs 266 crore which the party recorded in 2015-16. According to the Association of Democratic Reforms, the Congress has been reduced to its weakest financial position since 2004-05, as it's share in the political income has plummeted to nearly 14 per cent.

The BJP's share of 66 per cent is considered to the highest enjoyed by the ruling party since 1998. In 2009, at the end of UPA-I, the Congress' share was 58 per cent.

By 2013, when the party was predicted to suffer a rout in the next general elections, it plunged to 39 per cent, whereas, the BJP's share in the political income had jumped to 44 per cent.

The CPI(M) stands at the third spot, with a total income of Rs 100 crores in 2016-17, followed by the NCP which drew Rs 17.2 crores. The CPI is down at the fifth spot with an income of Rs 10.2 crores, followed by the TMC which earned Rs 6 crores.

Most of the income receipts disclosed by the political parties showed voluntary donations. Among all parties, only the BJP recorded a significant earning - Rs 533 crores - though identified sources.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 11, 2018 04:19 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).