New Delhi, The Congress party announced today that it will initiate an online crowdfunding campaign, ‘Donate for Desh,’ starting December 18. Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s historic ‘Tilak Swaraj Fund’ in 1920-21, the campaign aims to empower the party in fostering equal resource distribution and opportunities across India.
Addressing the press conference, AICC General Secretary K C Venugopal and AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken introduced the initiative. “This initiative is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s historic ‘Tilak Swaraj Fund’ in 1920-21 and aims to empower our party in creating an India rich in equal resource distribution and opportunities,” said Venugopal.
AICC Treasurer Ajay Maken explained that ‘Donate for Desh’ is an umbrella campaign encompassing a series of initiatives. The first encourages donations in multiples of 138 to commemorate the 138th anniversary of the Congress party.
Maken stated, “On completion of 138 years of Congress, we request the countrymen to deposit amounts like ₹138, ₹1,380, ₹13,800 in the Congress account to strengthen the Congress, so that the Congress can work for a better India.”
The official launch of the campaign will take place on December 18 in New Delhi, with Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge officiating. Online donation links will be live on a dedicated portal (www.donateinc.in) and the official INC website (www.inc.in).
Maken urged Congress leaders at various levels to contribute at least ₹1,380 each and identify potential donors among the party’s supporters. He emphasized the strategic approach to ensure the success of the vision for a better India.
The campaign, likely influenced by the Aam Aadmi Party’s online crowdfunding model, comes as the Congress faces financial challenges. In 2023, the party declared assets of Rs. 805.68 crore, significantly less than the BJP’s Rs. 6,046.81 crore. Corporate donations to the Congress have been declining over the past several years.
Donors, required to be above 18 years of age and Indian citizens, will receive donation certificates. The party plans to raise awareness through press conferences, social media, and on-ground campaigns, including door-to-door visits by volunteers targeting at least 10 houses in every polling booth area.
“This will be a method through which anyone in our country who wishes to join the Congress, be a part of its ideological battle and support the party can do so,” said Maken.
Venugopal added that the Congress would host a “mammoth rally” in Nagpur on December 28, marking the 138th anniversary of its Foundation Day.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on the Congress crowdfunding campaign.
