Congress Launches Crowdfunding Campaign To Avoid 'Wealthy Donors', Asks To 'Donate For Desh'

Mallikarjun Kharge, the president of Congress, initiated the party's crowdfunding campaign on Monday (18 December), inviting people to participate in the battle against unemployment and escalating expenses.

Kharge contributed Rs 1,38,000 from his earnings to initiate the "Donate for Desh" movement, which was witnessed by party leaders and general secretaries such as K C Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh, as well as treasurer Ajay Maken.

"Our party leaders have created an App, marking a truly joyous day. This is a pioneering moment as the Congress is turning to the ordinary citizens for support in nation-building," he shared with journalists post-launch as per The New Indian Express.

He stated that the party's campaign will be funded by small donors as part of their strategy. He further explained, "If our reliance continues to be on the wealthy, we may find ourselves having to conform to their agendas and policies in the future."

Kharge asserted that the Congress has consistently been advocating for the rights and interests of the underprivileged, Scheduled Castes, and backward classes, who have also supported them in the past.

"Under the initiative 'Donate for Desh', our aim is to propel the nation forward with the assistance of the common people. The Congress has always been supported by the masses. Even Mahatma Gandhi achieved the country's independence through the collective efforts of its citizens," he stated.

He stated that individuals would willingly step forward to make donations within a day or two.

"We will gather contributions from the general public and unite them in this struggle. We can guarantee that our party is the sole entity battling for the underprivileged," he stated.

In a message shared on X, the Congress stated, "Beyond a campaign, it's a commitment to champion the rights of marginalised communities, bridge disparities, and stand as a formidable opposition against a government favouring the affluent."

"Join us in the fight against unprecedented unemployment and rising costs. Stand with the Indian National Congress as it strides beyond its 138th year, stronger and more determined than ever. Be a Changemaker, Contribute," the party stated.

Maken stated that individuals can support the party by making a donation of Rs 138, 1,380 or 13,800, in commemoration of the Indian National Congress's 138-year anniversary.