Apparently short of funds to contest the general election, Punjab AAP chief and Sangrur MP Bhagwant Mann has sought financial aid from people.
In a video uploaded on Facebook, Mann has requested financial support to defeat “rich politicians” contesting against him.
“I cannot defeat other politicians who are rich without money. I need money to run my election campaign and I seek your financial support. Kindly contribute ‘daswandh’ (one-tenth of your income) to the AAP. Your contribution is a must to keep the corrupt away from politics and to motivate honest politicians like me,” Mann says in the video.
He says he needs money to get posters printed and to meet other campaign expenses. He also shares his bank account number for online transfer of money.
“When I receive the required money, I will upload another video telling you to stop sending it. I will be happy to contest the election with your money. I do not have any black money like other politicians and need your immediate financial support,” says Mann.
He says he has always raised public issues in parliament and will not leave any stone unturned in future also.
“You send the money, any amount--Rs 1, 5, 10, 100, 1000—and I will do my best,” he says.
Meanwhile, Punjab Ekta Party (PEP) leaders have alleged that since the AAP has lost base in Punjab and abroad, it’s bankrupt now.
Party district president Harpreet Bajwa, who resigned from the AAP sometime ago and joined the PEP, alleged that the AAP had lost ground in Punjab.
“During the last election, the AAP got huge funds as people, especially NRIs, had great hopes from it. But this time around, no one is willing to give money to AAP leaders, who have killed the party for their vested interests,” Bajwa said.