Congress Adopts Multi-Tiered Approach in Crowdfunding Drive
The Congress president, Mallikarjun Kharge, emphasized the importance of public donations over reliance on the affluent, stating that depending on the rich entails following their policies. This remark was made during the launch of the party’s ‘Donate for Desh’ campaign aimed at raising funds for the upcoming general election.
#WATCH | On the launch of ‘Donate for Desh’ crowdfunding campaign, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge says, “It’s the first time that Congress is asking people for donations for the nation….If you work only by depending on the rich people, then you have to follow their… pic.twitter.com/YgLZUs5HL9
— ANI (@ANI) December 18, 2023
The campaign, initiated as the Congress marks its 138th year, underscores a commitment to champion the rights of marginalized communities and oppose a government favoring the affluent.
Congress President Shri @Kharge inaugurates ‘𝐃𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐡’ – Indian National Congress’ Online Crowdfunding Initiative.
Beyond a campaign, it’s a commitment to champion the rights of marginalized communities, bridge disparities, and stand as a formidable… pic.twitter.com/ArxD9fLwQl
— Congress (@INCIndia) December 18, 2023
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Tilak Swaraj Fund,’ the crowdfunding initiative offers various contribution options, with Congress leaders urging people to support the cause. Despite the Congress facing financial challenges and allegations of being cash-strapped, the party intends to mobilize support through online channels initially, followed by door-to-door outreach by volunteers.
आप और हम, मिलकर बनाएंगे एक बेहतर भारत
– सभी को समाज में पूरा न्याय दिलाकर
– समान अवसर और अधिकार दिलाकर
– प्रगतिशील भविष्य का रास्ता बनाकरभारत के इस vision में, कांग्रेस के साथ जुड़ें।
https://t.co/0GHYX7oZQb पर जाएंइस अभियान में अपना योगदान दें, इस संघर्ष में बराबर के… pic.twitter.com/24Wkeh4pXP
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 18, 2023
In response, the BJP dismissed the campaign, accusing the Congress of seeking funds after allegedly looting the country for 60 years. BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed that the initiative is a ploy to divert attention from a significant cash discovery at the premises of Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu.
The Congress has announced an online crowdfunding campaign. Going by their previous track record, this will turn out to be nothing but another attempt to siphon off public money and enrich the Gandhis.
Let us not forget that the Congress ‘loaned’ 90 crore rupees, received as… pic.twitter.com/UHTz6CgQlj
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) December 16, 2023
The BJP asserted that funds raised might end up benefiting the Gandhis, criticizing the campaign as a potential means to solicit illicit funds.
The backdrop includes Income Tax department raids on an Odisha-based distillery firm linked to Dhiraj Sahu’s family, unearthing a substantial cash stash. The Congress distanced itself from Sahu’s business, emphasizing no association with the financial discoveries. The political exchange reflects the contrasting perspectives on the Congress’s fundraising efforts and raises questions about the transparency and intentions behind the ‘Donate for Desh’ campaign.
