Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, on Monday, launched a major monthly donation drive for his ‘bankrupt’ Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in New Delhi, ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Kejriwal stressed on the need to emulate the financial model of the Left parties, which is driven by donations from party workers and supporters, reported The Indian Express,
He repeatedly said that AAP was a “kangaal” (bankrupt) party, adding that his government’s honesty had ensured the party’s coffers were not enriched by the exchequer’s money.
“It is for the first time in history that a party is kangaal (bankrupt) and the government is cash-rich. That is because we run on your funds. We do not depend on money from corrupt millionaires,” Kejriwal said, as per a Hindustan Times report.
“There are elections in the next two years. We do not have money. Party needs money. All working volunteers must contribute at least Rs 100 per month. Your family members who earn have to contribute,” the Delhi Chief Minister said while addressing a gathering of around 1,000 party workers, as per the report.
He also said that people from across the country can support the campaign by dialling a number – that was also launched at the event.
The party invited its supporters to contribute at least Rs 100 per month. “If you want better schools, hospitals and a regular supply of electricity and water then please donate. This is the right way to build the nation,” Kejriwal tweeted.
Meanwhile, AAP MLA Sanjay Singh, while addressing the gathering, announced that he will donate Rs 21,000 every month from his salary to the campaign.
"Not just me but my retired father and mother will also donate to the campaign," he said.
Kejriwal also announced that he will donate Rs 10,000 from his monthly salary.
“Apart from me, my family will also donate to the campaign. While my wife will give Rs 5,000 to the campaign, my daughter, who just started working, will donate Rs 5,000 to the drive. My father will also give Rs 500 every month.”Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi Chief Minister
The AAP supremo also urged all the volunteers of the party to donate to the campaign saying that it is "compulsory for the volunteers to donate and nominate five more people".
(With inputs from IANS)
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