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Nagpur: In a unique fundraising move during its grand ‘Hain Taiyyar Hum’ rally in Nagpur, the Congress party strategically placed QR codes behind chairs, inviting attendees to contribute to its ‘Donate for Desh’ campaign. The QR codes, featuring a photo of senior leader Rahul Gandhi, provided a digital gateway for supporters to contribute towards the party’s efforts in building a better India.
The party’s pamphlet urged attendees to scan the QR code, stating, “In our fight for a better India, 138 years and counting…INC needs you, INDIA needs you! For a Behtar Bharat.” The campaign promised recognition for contributions, with five fortunate donors at the Nagpur rally set to receive certificates personally handed by Rahul Gandhi on stage.
The innovative fundraising approach faced criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the Congress was attempting to divert public funds for personal gain. The BJP pointed to recent income tax raids and a cash seizure linked to a Congress MP, Dhiraj Sahu, as evidence of financial impropriety.
Addressing the crowd on the party’s 138th foundation day, Rahul Gandhi emphasized the ideological battle in the country, forecasting the upcoming general elections as a clash of two ideologies. He also pledged that if Congress comes to power after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the party will conduct a caste census. Notably, Congress president Kharge marked the occasion by unfurling the party flag at AICC HQ in Delhi earlier in the day.
While senior leaders from Maharashtra and other states participated in the event, former president Sonia Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra chose not to attend the Nagpur rally. The foundation day celebrations also included events at the AICC HQ in Delhi, where the party flag was unfurled by Congress president Kharge.
