Atishi, the Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate for the Kalkaji Assembly constituency, has made an impressive start to her crowdfunding campaign, raising over ₹15 lakh in just six hours.
The funds were gathered through her online donation portal on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in her campaign efforts. The target set for the campaign is ₹40 lakh, and by the evening of January 10, a total of ₹15,15,930 had been contributed by 278 people.
Atishi’s move to turn to crowdfunding for her electoral expenses is rooted in the AAP's long-standing policy of refraining from accepting funds from large businessmen. In her appeal to the public, Atishi stressed that the money donated would support the party’s commitment to “honest politics.”
She emphasised that the party, unlike others, does not rely on wealthy donors but on the support of everyday people who believe in its ideals. Atishi pointed out that in the past, AAP has successfully contested elections with “small donations” from the public, a practice that continues with this campaign.
In a statement, Atishi shared her gratitude for the support she has received, acknowledging that it is the belief and donations of people that have enabled her to pursue a political career as a young, educated woman.
She credited her progress in politics to the support of the common people, highlighting that her journey would not have been possible without their contributions.
"As a young, educated woman, your belief and donations have enabled me to imagine a career in politics—a path I couldn’t have walked alone. Now, as we face another election campaign, I need your support once again," she wrote on her social media, urging her followers to contribute.
Reena Gupta, a senior AAP leader, noted that Atishi’s crowdfunding campaign is likely a first in the country, with a sitting Chief Minister seeking public donations for an election.
Gupta also emphasised that since its inception, AAP has relied on public funding for its election campaigns, a departure from the common practice of accepting large donations from businesses and wealthy individuals.
The party’s decision to keep its funding transparent and free from corporate influence is part of its commitment to ensuring that the government serves the public interest.
The announcement of the crowdfunding campaign comes amid a politically charged atmosphere in Delhi, with the BJP accusing the AAP-led government of corruption, inefficiency in implementing welfare schemes, and neglecting pressing issues such as pollution.
The BJP has been critical of the AAP’s governance, alleging that the ruling party has failed to deliver on its promises, particularly in addressing the city’s growing pollution levels.
Meanwhile, the Congress party, which ruled Delhi for 15 consecutive years, has struggled to regain its foothold in recent elections. The party suffered significant setbacks in the last two assembly elections, failing to secure any seats.
In contrast, the AAP emerged victorious in the 2020 assembly elections, securing 62 out of the 70 seats, while the BJP managed to win only eight.
With the Delhi assembly elections scheduled for February 5, Atishi’s crowdfunding campaign is expected to play a significant role in mobilising support for her candidacy.
The votes will be counted on February 8, and the outcome will determine whether the AAP can retain its dominance in the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
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