New Delhi: Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge made a significant financial contribution to the party’s crowdfunding campaign on Monday, pledging Rs 1,38,000. The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly responded to Kharge’s donation, using it to take a swipe at the Congress. The Congress has launched a nationwide crowdfunding campaign to raise resources ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Kharge’s donation was part of the campaign’s launch event on Monday. “One month’s salary is gone,” Kharge joked as he made the transaction.
The BJP seized on Kharge’s remark, sharing a video clip on social media with the viral track “Moye Moye” playing in the background. “After looting the country, now they are appealing to the public for donations, but see their attitude yourself,” the BJP’s media cell captioned the video.
The Congress’ crowdfunding initiative has its roots in the original Congress party, which launched a similar campaign during the freedom struggle in 1920–21. The tradition has continued to the present day, with the party launching the “Donate for Desh” campaign to raise funds for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said the crowdfunding initiative was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s historic “Tilak Swaraj Fund.” Congress leader Ajay Maken added that any worker or supporter above the age of 18 can donate a minimum of Rs 138 to the campaign. Higher amounts of Rs 1,380, Rs 13,800, or more can also be donated.
The BJP’s response to Kharge’s donation highlights the ongoing political rivalry between the two parties. The crowdfunding campaign is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, as the Congress seeks to raise funds and mobilise support ahead of the polls.
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