NEW DELHI: A Hong Kong-based NRI has donated Rs 50 lakh to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Banker Amit Aggarwal said he had donated a large part of his savings for supporting the party’s endeavour to clean up politics.

“I have been closely following the Lokpal movement by Arvind Kejriwal and his foray into politics. They are trying to bring in the change we seek. That’s why I have come forward to help them,” Aggarwal said. The 40-year-old, who is from Delhi, moved to Hong Kong 10 years ago after studying management at a prestigious institute.

“I am trying to collect more money and convince my friends here to also chip in,” said Aggarwal. When asked if his family supported the idea of donating a major chunk of his savings, the banker said he had not discussed it with them.

AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal said this was the biggest donation made by any individual to the party after lawyer Shanti Bhushan, a key member. “Bhushanji had donated Rs 1 crore when the party was formed,” he said.

The overseas branch of AAP, including the one in UK, is also lobbying hard to raise funds from NRIs.

AAP is also going from door to door to seek donations from Delhiites. Party sources said they had collected close to Rs 4 lakh from 20,000 households in the New Delhi constituency, and they now plan to extend the programme to all the 70 assembly constituencies.

“Unlike the major political parties like the Congress or the BJP, we do not have the money to spend on advertising, hoardings and freebies. But we have thousands of dedicated workers and supporters who act as our mobile messengers,” said Kejriwal.

