RTI Reveals BJP Sought Donations for Govt Schemes Without Approval.

RTI Exposes BJP Fundraising: Donations for Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Lack Government Authorisation

A sweeping RTI-based investigation has exposed the BJP’s fundraising campaign that solicited donations for government schemes like Swachh Bharat without official authorisation. The findings have prompted legal complaints and raise serious questions about political transparency.

An RTI investigation reveals the Bharatiya Janata Party collected donations for government schemes without authorisation. The party’s 2021-22 micro-donation campaign offered donors options to fund schemes like Swachh Bharat. Multiple Union ministries have confirmed they never permitted such fundraising by the BJP.

This exclusive investigation by Sprouts News analyses official Right to Information responses. It centres on a campaign promoted by senior BJP leadership. The findings raise serious questions about political fundraising transparency.

Analysis of the BJP’s 2021-22 Micro-Donation Campaign

BJP President J.P. Nadda launched the “micro-donation” drive on December 25, 2021. He framed it as a tribute to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The campaign aimed to strengthen the party, concluding on February 11, 2022.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly endorsed the campaign on social media. He urged supporters to donate, stating it would enthuse party workers. This high-level endorsement significantly amplified the campaign’s reach and credibility.

On the NaMo app and narendramodi.in portal, donors saw specific options. They could select “Party Fund” or government schemes as their donation cause. The schemes listed were Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Kisan Seva.

Chennai journalist B.R. Aravindakshan investigated after donating ₹100 to each scheme. He received official receipts from the BJP’s central office. The receipts acknowledged donations for these specific government initiatives.

Official RTI Responses: Ministries Deny Any Authorisation

Aravindakshan filed RTI queries with the concerned Union ministries in early 2022. He sought clarity on whether the BJP had permission to raise funds. The responses from three key ministries were uniform and clear.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti oversees the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). Its Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) provided a definitive response. They stated no provision allows NGOs or individuals to raise funds for the scheme.

Similarly, the Ministry of Women and Child Development responded about Beti Bachao Beti Padhao. CPIO Rachana Bolimera said no special permission was given to the NaMo App. The scheme is entirely funded by government allocations.

The Agriculture Ministry’s response was more procedural but equally clear. After an appeal, an authority confirmed no such apps are promoted by the department. They clarified the government does not raise funds for farmer welfare apps.

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The PMO’s Stance and Investigation into the NaMo App

Aravindakshan also sought clarity on the NaMo app’s official status. He filed RTI applications with the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY). These queries were transferred to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The PMO’s response in November 2023 was significant. CPIO Parvesh Kumar stated “there is no official app in the name of the Prime Minister.” This formally distances the official PMO from the privately operated application.

Regarding a connection between the NaMo app and the PMO, officials provided no information. They stated the query did not form part of records held by their office. This lack of official recognition is a key finding of the investigation.

The PMO also clarified social media management for the Prime Minister’s office. Inputs are provided by officers and accounts are updated periodically. No single official manages the social media accounts.

Legal Implications and Formal Complaints Filed

Based on these RTI findings, Aravindakshan has initiated formal legal action. On December 8, 2025, he wrote to the Chennai Police Commissioner. He also petitioned the Central Bureau of Investigation’s Regional Director.

His complaint alleges potential violations of several serious laws. These include the Indian Penal Code (cheating, criminal breach of trust). It also cites the Prevention of Corruption Act and Representation of the People Act.

Aravindakshan argues donors were misled about where their money was going. Citizens believed they were directly supporting government welfare schemes. All funds, however, were received by the BJP’s central office.

He previously wrote to BJP President J.P. Nadda in March 2022. He asked if donations for schemes would be handed over to the government. He did not receive any response to this direct query from the party.

The Core Issue: Blurred Lines Between Party and Government

This investigation highlights a critical democratic concern. It reveals the blurring of lines between political party machinery and government branding. Using flagship government schemes for political fundraising is problematic.

The Sprouts News Special Investigation Team finds the evidence compelling. The consistent RTI paper trail from multiple ministries creates a clear narrative. The implied authorisations for fundraising do not exist in official records.

The campaign allegedly created a “large-scale misrepresentation” to citizens. Donors contributed in good faith, believing they supported public schemes. The investigation questions the transparency of this political fundraising method.

As of now, the BJP’s central office has not provided an official statement. Sprouts News has reached out for comment and will update this report accordingly. The lack of public clarification adds to the ongoing concerns.

This case underscores the urgent need for clearer regulations. Rules must distinctly separate party fundraising from public contributions to state programmes. Upholding this distinction is vital for maintaining institutional trust.

The concerned investigative agencies must now determine the next steps. Their action will set an important precedent for political transparency in India. The public awaits a resolution to this significant matter.