According to the latest data submitted with the Election Commission, the Congress spent Rs 820 crore in its campaign for the 2019 Lok Sabha elections and the simultaneous assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Sikkim.

The party spent the whopping amount despite facing funding challenges.

The Congress itself has given information in this regard in the report submitted to the Election Commission.

According to sources, the Congress has told in a report submitted to the Election Commission that the Congress has spent 300 crores more this year than in the year 2014. During the Lok Sabha elections, the Congress party received donations through 856 crore cash and checks. According to the report, Congress has spent 626 crores on publicity and 194 crores on candidates.

The Congress had reported raising only Rs 126 crore funds in 2018-19, indicating a big infusion of funding into the party ahead of Lok Sabha poll.

The party also spent Rs 356 crore on media advertisements and digital campaigns through its central and state units. Congress candidates were given funds ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 60 lakh each. The then party president, Rahul Gandhi, and president Sonia Gandhi took in Rs 50 lakh each for campaigning.

A total of 86 crore rupees were spent by the party for air travel on the candidates during the election. At the same time, about 40 crores have been spent on Rahul Gandhi’s air travel.

The political digital campaign firm, Design boxed, which has offices in Surat, Mohali and Amritsar, was the key campaign manager for the Congress. It was paid over Rs 12 crore for digital and social media advertising.