Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has launched a crowdfunding campaign ahead of the upcoming Kalkaji assembly elections.
Stressing on the Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) reliance on public contributions, Atishi highlighted the BJP’s financial resources, stating that AAP is driven by honest public support.
She faces BJP's Ramesh Bhiduri in the upcoming Delhi elections.
Addressing a press conference, Atishi released an online link for people to donate money, saying she needed Rs 40 lakh for fighting the elections.
"The AAP has always fought elections with the help of small donations from the common man which has helped it pursue the politics of work and honesty", she said.
In December, senior AAP leader and party candidate from Jangpura Manish Sisodia launched a crowdfunding platform and sought financial support from people for his poll campaign.
In her campaign message on X, Atishi wrote: "Together, we can continue this journey of progress and hope."
She expressed gratitude to the public for their support, reflecting on her journey from MLA to Chief Minister.
The campaign focuses on Arvind Kejriwal's leadership, with prominent billboards displaying images of the former CM interacting with citizens.
AAP's election campaign draws comparisons with Kejriwal’s leadership in other states, focusing on his achievements. Party functionaries highlighted that the slogan "Phir Laenge Kejriwal" reflects the sentiments of Delhi residents who are eager to see Kejriwal return as Chief Minister.
Atishi stated, "The BJP gains power through money and earns money when in power. They might have earned so much that they don't need to collect money for elections. But we run our government with honesty, run our houses through salaries. That is why we want people's support to fight elections. Today when we are doing crowd funding, then it is the biggest proof of our honesty... With BJP's candidate list, it has become clear that they are not finding candidates for the elections. They are still to announce 12 candidates," she said.
When asked about the BJP's claim that the CAG has projected a loss of Rs 2,026 crore due to the Delhi government's now-scrapped excise policy, she said, "Despite being in power in Delhi for 10 years, the AAP does not have even a rupee of corruption. We will contest the polls with the support of the people of Delhi and the country, as has been done in the previous elections.
Targeting the BJP, Atishi said, "Perhaps they have collected enough money from their friends and through government contracts and they do not need to collect funds for contesting elections." Atishi, who is seeking re-election from Kalkaji assembly seat, is pitted against former MP and BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri.
The 70-member Delhi Assembly goes to polls on February 5 and the results will be announced on February 8.
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