The Indian National Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge today launched the party’s crowdfunding program, “Donate for Desh”, aimed at helping Congress become a “strong opposition to the authoritarian government” as 2024 Lok Sabha Elections inch closer.
Kharge took the lead as the campaign’s first donor, contributing Rs 1,38,000 from his salary in the presence of party leaders and general secretaries K C Venugopal and Jairam Ramesh and treasurer Ajay Maken, at his residence.
The campaign marks the party's 138th year in existence, with donors able to contribute amounts in multiples of 138.
“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,” Kharge said.
What is the “Donate for Desh” campaign?
The Congress party is seeking help from the general public to set up an independent fund for the party to help advance its agenda and “take the country forward”.
Mallikarjun Kharge emphasised the importance of not solely relying on the wealthy, stating, "If you keep working by depending on the rich, then tomorrow we would have to agree to their programmes and policies.”
Kharge said the campaign is a commitment to champion the rights of marginalised communities and bridge disparities.
"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 said.
What the Congress leaders are saying?
Mallikarjun Kharge took to X to urge people to log on to the donateinc.in website and provide their “important contribution”.
“This initiative is inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's historic 'Tilak Swaraj Fund' in 1920-21. This is a nationwide movement to protect the values of the Indian Constitution and preserve the 138 year old glorious history of the Indian National Congress,” the post read.
Rahul Gandhi also urged people to “become equal partners in this struggle” in a post on X. “You and I, together we will create a better India by providing complete justice to everyone in the society, by providing equal opportunities and rights, by paving the way for a progressive future,” his post read.
K C Venugopal said in a post, “This is an ideological battle, where INC needs you. India needs you.”
