Congress Criticizes Atishi’s Fundraising Efforts, Labels it as ‘Yet Another Method to Exploit Public Funds’
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New Delhi, Jan 13 (NationPress) Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari criticized Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Monday concerning her crowdfunding initiative for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, questioning whether the alleged liquor scandal had not generated ample funds for the party's requirements.
Atishi, who is also the AAP candidate for the Kalkaji Assembly seat, initiated the crowdfunding effort on Sunday, calling on citizens to support her party's politics of integrity and hard work.
During a press briefing, she provided an online link for contributions, indicating a need for Rs 40 lakh for her electoral campaign.
In response, Tiwari stated, “Hasn't she seen the CAG report? The liquor scandal has led to losses amounting to thousands of crores. Isn't that enough to manage their electoral expenses?”
He referenced the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report, which pointed to a revenue shortfall of Rs 2,026 crore to the Delhi government due to alleged irregularities in its now-defunct liquor policy.
Tiwari charged the AAP with widespread corruption, asserting, “The AAP government has engaged in extensive plundering. Isn't that sufficient?”
Offering an indirect jab at AAP national leader Arvind Kejriwal, Tiwari noted, “Atishi is merely emulating her mentor. The sums they have accrued from the liquor scandal could finance elections in multiple states.”
The AAP's crowdfunding endeavors have faced significant backlash from opposition factions.
Previously, in December, Manish Sisodia, former Deputy Chief Minister and AAP candidate for the Jangpura Assembly seat, also introduced a comparable crowdfunding platform, soliciting financial backing for his campaign.
On Sunday, Delhi BJP vice president and Karawal Nagar candidate Kapil Mishra also criticized Atishi's initiative, questioning the illicit funding sources for other AAP candidates.
“Why hasn't Kejriwal chosen crowdfunding? Where are the funds for the other 69 candidates originating from? Are they being funded by terrorists, jihadis, mafia, or the underworld?” Mishra queried.
Meanwhile, the AAP has defended its crowdfunding efforts as a step towards transparent governance.
