The Congress party's initiative, 'Donate for Desh,' aimed at crowdfunding ahead of the upcoming general elections, saw remarkable success, collecting a substantial ₹1.45 crores within a single day of its launch in the national capital. Maharashtra emerged as the leading donor state, contributing ₹30.605 lakh, followed closely by Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Karnataka.
Kapil Sibal, in a social media post, expressed gratitude to the donors, highlighting the empowering effect of their contributions on amplifying the voices of the underprivileged and reinforcing the party's commitment to an inclusive India. He commended the top donor states, emphasizing their crucial role in driving the campaign's momentum.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge inaugurated the 'Donate for Desh' campaign, stressing the importance of combating unemployment and the escalating cost of living. Kharge kickstarted the initiative by donating ₹1,38,000 from his salary, accompanied by party leaders K C Venugopal, Jairam Ramesh, and treasurer Ajay Maken.
Kharge emphasized the campaign's reliance on contributions from small donors, highlighting the significance of not being beholden to the rich and retaining independence in policy-making.
The campaign, launched as the Congress commemorates its 138th anniversary, invites donations of ₹138, 1,380, or 1,38,000 from individuals willing to support the party's cause. Ajay Maken encouraged individuals to contribute as per their capability, fostering an inclusive approach to fundraising.
Kharge expressed optimism, expecting voluntary contributions from individuals within a short span, echoing the party's historical reliance on public support, drawing parallels to Mahatma Gandhi's efforts during India's struggle for independence.
The 'Donate for Desh' campaign represents a significant step for the Congress party, marking an earnest effort to engage with the public and leverage grassroots support to propel the country forward. The willingness of citizens to contribute, irrespective of the amount, underscores a collective resolve to actively participate in shaping the nation's political landscape.