Congress is to introduce "crowdfunding" as an additional source of income to combat the electoral bond system, which is purportedly unduly biased in favour of the governing party. The party has made the decision to open a special website for small-donor contributions.
Though a growing norm in the country in areas like charity, crowd funding in politics seems also inspired by liberal political parties and opposition outfits of the West. Struggling to attract big corporate donors, these groups have turned small donations into a fund generation machine. In an emotive plea to supporters of the “only party fighting for Indian democracy” against the Narendra Modi-led BJP, the Congress intention is to place a link on the party website that will solicit and receive money via a payment gateway. Technical tweaks are being made to the initiative, which will be unveiled later this year.
According to sources, contributions up to Rs 20,000 do not need a contributor to show his PAN; only donations beyond that amount must be reported to the Election Commission on a yearly basis under the Representation of the People Act. Although the party is examining this market, insiders stated that even little amounts - like Rs 100, 500, or 1,000 - would be appreciated. While the link would be open round the year for donations, Congress strategists are looking at special calls for donations on important anniversaries like the Congress Foundation Day. The link is said to have been briefly started but taken down a few years ago.