New Delhi: In a bold move to fund her election campaign for the Kalkaji Assembly seat, Delhi Chief Minister and AAP candidate from Kalkaji, Atishi, has launched a crowdfunding campaign for the upcoming Assembly elections, appealing to citizens in Delhi and nationwide for financial support. Atishi emphasised that the AAP refuses to engage in corrupt fundraising practices, which are prevalent among other political parties.
“Had we accepted money from contractors or big private schools and hospitals, we wouldn’t have been able to improve government
institutions or provide free healthcare to Delhiites,” said Atishi. She criticised other political parties for accepting funds from wealthy industrialists and later serving their interests
once in power. “Our honest politics has always been supported by the people, and I am confident they will back my campaign,” she added.
Reflecting on AAP’s journey, Atishi recounted how the party has always relied on small contributions from ordinary people. “In our first election in 2013, people gave whatever they could, Rs 10, Rs 50, Rs 100, or Rs 500. It was
through these small contributions from ordinary people that AAP contested and emerged victorious,” she said.
Atishi also criticised the practice of big parties receiving funds from industrialists, which she believes leads to corruption. “Once in power, these parties dedicate all their time to securing lucrative contracts for their industrialist friends,” she explained. In contrast, she emphasised that AAP’s
success has come from its commitment to honest governance funded by the public.
To raise the necessary Rs 40 lakh for her Kalkaji election campaign, Atishi launched a crowdfunding platform at atishi.aamaadmiparty.org, where people can donate through debit cards, credit cards, or UPI. “Whether you donate Rs 100, Rs 500, Rs 1,000, or even more, your support will help me contest the election from
Kalkaji,” she said.
Reena Gupta, senior AAP leader, praised Atishi’s dedication and integrity, calling her “Delhi’s daughter” and highlighting her commitment to public service over personal gain. Gupta urged citizens to support Atishi’s
campaign, noting that this is the first time a sitting CM has launched a crowdfunding campaign for elections.