AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal at a public meeting in Varanasi.
Aam Aadmi Party chief
Arvind Kejriwal, who is campaigning in Varanasi where he takes on the BJP's Narendra Modi in the general elections, has sent out an SOS.
He tweeted, "Need clean money to fight Modi and Rahul. Pl sms me at 9868069953 if u wish to donate."
He also asked people to spread the word by retweeting his appeal for funds. (
India Votes 2014: Full Coverage)
Early this year, as it prepped for the general elections, AAP had urged supporters to donate Rs 2014 to its election fund to mark the year general elections are being held in. AAP seeks to distinguish itself from other political parties by claiming to have a very "transparent funding process." It posts details on its website, the party says. (
For 2014 battle, AAP seeks Rs. 2,014 donations)
AAP has organised fund raisers in some cities including a very successful dinner in Bangalore last month. (
AAP raises Rs. 50 lakh at Bangalore dinner attended by Arvind Kejriwal)
Mr Kejriwal had announced three weeks ago that he would
contest the Lok Sabha election against Mr Modi, the BJP's prime ministerial candidate, in Varanasi turning it into one of the most keenly watched battles of these elections.
He arrived in Varanasi on Tuesday morning to be greeted by posters accusing him of running away from Delhi, a reference to his having resigned after only 49 days as Delhi Chief Minister. (
In Varanasi, Arvind Kejriwal faces a poster war)
Mr Kejriwal told NDTV today that his abrupt decision to resign was a mistake and that "we should have consulted the public before resigning." (
Watch)
He plans to be in Varanasi for the next three weeks, but will pack in a visit on Sunday next to Amethi, around 150 km away and also in Uttar Pradesh, to campaign against Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, the sitting MP.
Mr Kejriwal has fielded a key member of his party,
Kumar Vishwas against Mr Gandhi. The BJP's candidate here is popular actor Smriti Irani, who filed her nomination today.