In a strategic move ahead of the upcoming general elections, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge launched the party’s ground-breaking crowdfunding initiative, ‘Donate for Desh,’ in the national capital. The campaign aims to rally public support in the fight against rising unemployment and soaring costs, positioning itself as a party that champions the rights of marginalized communities.
To kickstart the campaign, Kharge led by example, contributing a substantial sum of ₹1,38,000 from his salary. This symbolic act took place in the presence of influential party leaders, including K C Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, and treasurer Ajay Maken. The launch marked a significant moment for the INC, as it embraced a new approach by leveraging an app to connect with ordinary citizens.
Kharge expressed his optimism about the initiative, emphasizing that the Congress is breaking new ground by seeking support directly from the common people. He highlighted the importance of avoiding dependency on the affluent, asserting that relying on the public ensures the party’s commitment to inclusive programs and policies.
The ‘Donate for Desh’ campaign is poised to be a crucial part of Congress’s efforts to secure funds for the upcoming general elections, emphasizing the party’s commitment to transparency and grassroots democracy. Kharge invoked Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, stating that the campaign follows in the footsteps of the leader who achieved independence with the support of the people.
The Congress party envisions ‘Donate for Desh’ as more than just a fundraising campaign; it’s a commitment to addressing disparities, standing against a government favoring the affluent, and advocating for the rights of the underprivileged. The party urges individuals to join the fight against unemployment and rising costs, positioning itself as a formidable opposition ready to make a difference.
According to the Congress, the ‘Donate for Desh’ campaign is launched as the party marks its 138th year. Ajay Maken, a prominent party leader, emphasized the inclusive nature of the initiative, allowing anyone to contribute by donating ₹138, ₹1,380, or ₹1,38,000, providing flexibility for donors to choose the amount they are comfortable with.
The campaign, primarily conducted online, will extend until the party’s foundation day on December 28. Following this, Congress volunteers will embark on a door-to-door drive to collect contributions of at least ₹138. This approach mirrors the party’s 2018 outreach-cum-crowdfunding campaign, aiming for increased momentum and broader public engagement.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took to social media to encourage participation, stating, “You and I together will make a better India.” The party’s post on a popular platform echoed this sentiment, inviting individuals to contribute and become changemakers for a stronger and more determined Congress as it celebrates its 138th year.
The ‘Donate for Desh’ campaign draws inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s historic ‘Tilak Swaraj Fund,’ launched in 1920-21. KC Venugopal, Congress general secretary, highlighted this connection, underscoring the campaign’s roots in a rich historical legacy.
Congress vs BJP
However, the campaign has not escaped criticism, particularly from the ruling BJP. BJP leader Amit Malviya raised concerns about the intentions behind Congress’s crowdfunding, citing recent incidents of cash seizures from the premises of Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu. Malviya alleged that the campaign might be a veiled attempt to siphon off public money for personal gain.
The BJP’s skepticism extends to the authenticity of Congress’s commitment, cautioning against falling for the party’s rhetoric. Malviya warned against ‘Donating for Dynasty,’ suggesting that the funds collected might end up benefiting the Gandhi family rather than serving the intended purpose.
The ongoing controversy surrounding Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu’s financial dealings has added fuel to the BJP’s skepticism. The Income Tax department’s raids on an Odisha-based distillery firm owned by Sahu’s family revealed a staggering cash stash of over ₹351 crore. The BJP has seized this opportunity to cast doubt on Congress’s fundraising motives.
Congress, on the other hand, has asserted that the funds collected through ‘Donate for Desh’ will be utilized for the greater good, focusing on social justice and economic empowerment. The party seeks to reassure the public that it remains committed to its core principles of serving the underprivileged.
As the campaign kicked off, a technical snag emerged within hours of its launch. The Congress failed to secure the domain name before announcing the initiative, leading to an unexpected redirection glitch. Clicking on DonateforDesh.org redirected visitors to the donation page of the BJP, causing a stir in the digital realm.
In response, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate accused the BJP of copying the campaign and creating fake domains to confuse the public.
Despite the initial setback, Congress swiftly set up an alternative domain (https://donateinc.net/) to receive donations, ensuring a seamless online contribution process.