AAP leader Atishi’s crowd-funding drive takes in Rs 2 lakh in three hours

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, February 6

Within three hours of launching a crowd-funding campaign in run-up to the Lok Sabha election, Aam Aadmi Party’s East Delhi candidate Atishi on Wednesday received over Rs 2 lakh donations from supporters.

Support for Atishi, who is known to have spearheaded several initiatives in government schools undertaken by the AAP-led government, poured in on the Twitter soon after she launched her crowd-funding campaign at 3 pm on Wednesday.

Former BJP leader and Union Minister Yashwant Sinha, who was one of the first political leaders to endorse Atishi’s work as advisor to Delhi’s Education Minister Manish Sisodia, posted a video on Twitter saying Atishi’s efforts had dramatically improved the condition of Delhi’s government schools.

“I appeal to the people of East Delhi to vote for her and elect her to the Lok Sabha,” he said.

Similar appeal was tweeted by Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani.

“There are some candidates who deserve our support beyond caste, religion and party lines. Atishi is one such candidate. Not only has she transformed school infrastructure in Delhi, but also focused on improving the quality of schools. Atishi’s presence in the House will be very impactful; as it is there are too few women in Parliament. I appeal to everyone to contribute to Atishi’s campaign in every way possible,” Mevani said.

Actor Jaaved Jaafery, an AAP leader, said in a tweet: “With reference to the upcoming Delhi elections. I, with many others, truly believe that having Atishi in Parliament will help the cause of public education to become part of the national political discourse”.

Jaffrey asked the electorate to exercise caution in responding to crowd-funding campaigns.

 “A crowd funding campaign launched tmrw. social media can be a blessing or a curse.. use it wisely.. check out your candidates thoroughly before voting.. these are the kind of honest and educated change makers we need (sic),” he tweeted.

Lawyer-activist Karuna Nundy also backed Atishi’s campaign saying: “Imagine what she'd do as Minister? She has a Stephen's, Oxford brain and the integrity to give up money for public good. I will support honest, dynamic people cross party. Imagine a LokSabha full of them”.

Author Manu Pillai tweeted: “Have been reading a great deal about Atishi’s remarkable work in govt schools in Delhi. Regardless of affiliations and loyalties, someone like her deserves to be in Parliament. Happy to donate and urge others also to support her work”.