AIADMK spent 95% of Rs 109 crore poll expenses on media advertising alone

CHENNAI: The AIADMK has declared an expenditure of Rs 103.98 crore on media advertising alone, with its overall declared poll expenses for the 2026 polls reported at Rs 109.61 crore.

According to its election expenditure statement filed with the Election Commission, Rs 103 crore was paid to Pramanya Strategy Consulting Pvt Ltd for social media promotion, television and website advertising. The amount accounted for the bulk of the party’s Rs 109.61 crore propaganda expenditure.

The statement submitted by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami shows that the party incurred Rs 17.37 lakh towards travel expenses for star campaigners who canvassed at various locations between March 30 and April 21. The statement lists 13 campaigners and records their travel expenses.

Party chief Palaniswami’s travel expenses were recorded at Rs 1.75 lakh for the period from March 15 to May 6. The party reported Rs 4.14 lakh towards diesel expenses for his vehicle during the period.

The AIADMK incurred Rs 4.11 crore in expenses for publicity materials, including manifesto books and printing charges. Another Rs 1.28 crore was spent on public meetings, processions and rallies.

The statement records gross receipts of Rs 87 crore during the election period. It also lists Rs 2.78 crore for the publication of candidates' criminal antecedents. Including this, the party’s gross expenditure on general propaganda and candidate-related expenses stood at Rs 112.40.

The expenditure statement was signed and verified by Palaniswami, who said it includes all items of election expenditure incurred or authorised by the party’s state, district and local units and that no material fact had been concealed.