The Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) have reported zero expenditure on social media campaigning during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, according to data compiled by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) from Election Commission disclosures.

Among regional parties, the YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) declared ₹328.37 crore in total election expenditure, including ₹8.26 crore on social media campaigns.

Despite the growing role of digital platforms in modern election campaigns, both parties stated in their official filings that they did not incur any expenses on virtual or social media outreach.

The ADR analysis shows that BRS spent ₹120.14 crore in total election expenditure, while TDP reported overall spending of ₹35.66 crore, but neither party declared any spending on social media campaigns.

In contrast, several other parties reported significant digital campaign expenditure. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spent ₹1,778.70 crore in total, including ₹187.69 crore on virtual and social media campaigning, the highest among all parties.

The Indian National Congress (INC) reported ₹686.19 crore in overall election spending, of which ₹47.69 crore was allocated for digital campaigns.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) spent ₹278.04 crore overall, with ₹83.03 crore on digital campaigning, while the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) reported ₹145.68 crore in total spending, including ₹50.26 crore on social media outreach.

Other parties such as the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Samajwadi Party (SP) also reported zero spending on social media campaigns in their official disclosures.

ADR noted that the figures are based on financial statements submitted by political parties to the Election Commission and reflect only the expenses reported by parties in their filings.