Cash-starved Cong seeks donors

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 9

For the first time in its history, the grand old Congress is seeking out donors within and outside the party fold.

AICC treasurer Motilal Vora has instructed party men – from leaders to workers — to contribute part of their incomes to the Congress kitty which has been shrinking for a while. The party has also sent out instructions to state unit chiefs to draw up a list of potential donors from their regions who could offer one-time contributions to the party. Congress insiders say the party had to resort to this in the wake of massive cash crunch.

Already on eviction notice from the Urban Development Ministry to vacate four bungalows in its possession, including the current national headquarters on Akbar Road, the Congress needs money to construct its new building at another location in the capital where it has been allotted land.

Besides, party leaders say financial crunch has been adversely affecting the Congress’ poll preparedness and strategy, with both Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi addressing lesser rallies now than before. In Bihar, so far, both leaders have 13 scheduled rallies between them, whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi alone will address over 40 rallies.

A state Congress president when contacted admitted, “The party needs money to fight this corporate culture in electioneering. We are in the opposition and every party person needs to contribute. Congress sympathisers are also being mobilised.”