With Lok Sabha elections just months away, BJP today launched a drive to collect donations for "Modi for PM fund" from the people and also inducted several former IITians into the party to give a fillip to its campaign.

BJP President Rajnath Singh launched the drive to collect donations ranging from Rs 10 to Rs 1,000 in the name of "Modi for PM fund".

Under this plan, people can donate to the party through cash or credit and debit cards.

Each contributor will be given a paper trail and informed through SMS on his or her mobile about the deposit. Those  making payment online will receive confirmation through e-mail and SMS.

Though the party has formally denied that this plan was inspired  by a similar exercise conducted by Aam Aadmi Party, sources said AAP did influence the BJP in going for this move.

Till now BJP claimed that it collects big funds through cheques. Singh paid Rs 1,000 into the "Modi for PM fund" while inaugurating the drive.