What happens when political fundraising walks, talks, and looks like government charity?
An RTI shocker has now blown the lid off a quietly-running donation pipeline — where contributors on the NaMo App and narendramodi.in were asked to donate to Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Kisan Seva… only to receive receipts from the BJP’s central office.
Three ministries say: We never permitted this.
The PMO says: We have no records of any connection.
And citizens now ask: Were they misled into funding a political party under the guise of national welfare schemes?
1️⃣ The heart of the Scandal: Donations for Govt Schemes, Receipts From the BJP
On the NaMo App and narendramodi.in, citizens were shown options to donate to Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Kisan Seva.
But every single receipt went to the BJP’s central office.
No ministry authorised this. No permission existed.
A classic mismatch: the name of the government, the bank account of the party.
2️⃣ The RTI That Cracked Open a Secretive Fundraising Pipeline
Senior journalist B.R. Aravindakshan, confused after receiving bjp receipts for donations he believed were meant for government schemes, filed a series of RTIs.
The replies were explosive:
The Ministry of Jal Shakti: No provision for NGOs or individuals to raise funds for Swachh Bharat.
The Women and Child Development Ministry: No special permission to raise funds for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.
The Agriculture Ministry: We do not promote such apps. The government does not raise funds through them.
Three ministries. One answer:
“We never authorised the bjp to raise money for these schemes.”
3️⃣ A Political Fundraiser Presented as Public Welfare?
In december 2021, jp nadda launched a massive “micro-donation” drive.
Modi endorsed it.
Screenshots of Modi’s own donation went viral.
Millions of supporters followed.
But donors choosing “Swachh Bharat” or “Beti Bachao” were quietly mapped to “Party Fund.”
Mass movement? Or mass confusion?
4️⃣ The Apps Still Show Govt Scheme Options… Even After the Campaign Ended
The drive ended in february 2022.
But to this day, donation pages still offer “Swachh Bharat”, “Beti Bachao”, “Kisan Seva” as donation categories.
A wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital sleight-of-hand:
The intent looks charitable. The money flows politically.
5️⃣ PMO’s Response Deepens the Mystery, Not Clears It
When asked whether the NaMo App is officially linked to the Prime Minister’s office, the PMO said:
There is no official app in the name of the prime minister of India.
Information about the NaMo App is not within the PMO records.
So Modi’s name and image drive the app…
But no official government body claims ownership of it.
A deliberate distance? Or convenient ambiguity?
6️⃣ The Journalist Was Told to Donate to “Government Schemes.” He Was Not Alone.
Aravindakshan says he — like thousands of indians — genuinely believed he was helping national programs.
The RTI replies shattered that belief.
If citizens donated thinking they were contributing to welfare, but the money actually went to a political party, what does that represent legally? Ethically? Democratically?
7️⃣ Potential Offences: A Legal Volcano Waiting to Erupt
The journalist lists serious potential violations:
Cheating
Criminal breach of trust
Criminal conspiracy
Possible offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act
Violations under the Representation of the people Act
This is not a small clerical lapse.
This is a multi-crore misrepresentation touching the highest office in the country.
8️⃣ Ministries Say “Not Us.” PMO Says “Not Us.” So, Who Allowed This?
Someone approved these donation categories.
Someone built the payment flows.
Someone linked “Swachh Bharat” → “BJP party Fund.”
If no ministry authorised it, and PMO disowns the app…
Who was running this fundraiser using government schemes as moral cover?
9️⃣ The Journalist Has Now Approached the police & CBI. Courts May Be Next.
After no clarity from ministries, PMO, or bjp, Aravindakshan has filed complaints with:
Chennai police Commissioner
CBI Regional Director
He has warned that if the government remains silent, he will approach the courts.
A storm is brewing — and this time, it’s backed by documents, receipts, RTIs, and unanswered questions.
🔟 The Political Question india Must Ask: Was Public Faith Exploited?
If citizens donated in good faith to nation-building but unknowingly funded a political party instead, that is not merely a procedural problem.
That is a breach of trust on a national scale.
And trust, once broken, rewrites political history.
⚠️ DISCLAIMER
This article is an adapted, stylised, listicle-format rewrite based on the detailed investigative report published by The Wire.
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