It’s a fund collection with a difference. The BJP, which takes pride in calling itself a party with a difference, has launched a nationwide “Lifetime Committment” scheme. Donors are encouraged to make a one-time contribution of Rs 1 lakh, which will be deposited as a bank fixed deposit whose interest will be considered an annual contribution and used to meet the day-to-day expenses of the party from the grassroots level upwards.
The party already has an Aajiwan Sahayog Nidhi, which envisages an annual contribution of Rs 1,000, Rs 5,000 or Rs 10,000. A brochure issued by BJP national treasurer Piyush Goyal and Aajiwan Sahayog Nidhi head Mange Ram Garg says the scheme is simple, transparent, accountable and dependable.
“In order to achieve success in its objectives, the party also needs reliable manpower as well as adequate financial resources. Initially, on a limited scale, this scheme was launched in Madhya Pradesh ... The then national president L K Advani, way back in 1997, while addressing the Jaipur conference, announced an Aajiwan Sahayog Nidhi Sadasyata Abhiyan,” the brochure states.
The party has issued appeals by president Nitin Gadkari to party members and wellwishers to join the scheme and strengthen its steps towards clean politics. It also calls upon them to join hands to purify politics.
A former minister and national executive member, who did not want to be named, said, “The party needs funds for day-to-day operations and this is one of the ways to mobilise the necessary money.”
