For a state that boasts of a high number of entrepreneurs, Gujarat hasn’t been very promising for the Aam Aadmi Party as far as mobilising funds from businesses is concerned. A look at the donors’ list of AAP shows that most donations have come from individual persons. While in states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, the party has managed to get funds from small businessmen, it is almost zilch in Gujarat.
Up to March 25, the party had 2,183 donors in the state who had donated Rs24,31,539 with an average donation of Rs1,114. The state, however, stands ninth in donations. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Karnataka have crossed Rs1 crore mark in donation collection for the period starting December 2013. Talking about why donations are not forthcoming from businesses, convener of Gujarat Sukhdev Patel said that it was also because of the intimidating atmosphere in Gujarat. “People who work for the party are being intimidated both by the cops and government. Can you imagine businesses coming out to openly donate to the party in such an atmosphere?” questioned Patel. When asked if AAP’s stand on big businesses (Reliance, Tata) and FDI as well as its image of being ‘anti-business’ immediately after assuming office in Delhi could have anything to do with the trend, Patel denied it. “AAP was never against businesses. We are against corrupt businesses. An honest and transparent system would benefit the businessman as it would benefit the common man. Why would they oppose it when it would benefit the majority of them,” said Patel.
But not everyone agrees with Patel. “It has always been individuals who have come forward to support the party in funding. In fact, that was its USP. But it can’t be denied that the party’s standing on FDI and on several other issues related to business houses has also played a role in low funding from businesses,” said another worker who has been with the party for long but did not wish to be identified.
In the month of March, only three donations came from any business. One donation of Rs5,000 came from Venkataram Digital System in Maharashtra while another was from Industrial Mineral Reflectors in Tamil Nadu for an equal amount. One Vatsana Technologies also donated Rs2,100 in Tamil Nadu.
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