In a recent address, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized a $21 million allocation by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) aimed at increasing voter turnout in India, labeling it a “kickback scheme.” Speaking at the Republican Governors Association meeting, Trump questioned the necessity of such expenditure, stating, “Why are we caring about India turnout? We have got enough problems. We want our own turnout, don’t we?” He further suggested that such funds often involve kickbacks, implying misuse of the allocated money.
The remarks have ignited a political debate in India. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly responded, with IT cell chief Amit Malviya sharing Trump’s address and asserting that the funds might have been used to support “deep-state assets” within the country. Malviya emphasized the need to investigate the money trail, suggesting that external funds could have been utilized to influence internal affairs.
Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar echoed these concerns, alleging that organizations like USAID were funneling significant sums into India to instigate protests and undermine the nation’s progress. He called for a united front against such elements, urging citizens to demand accountability and expose individuals acting as “weapons in the hands of foreign forces.”
In contrast, the Indian National Congress dismissed Trump’s comments as “typically nonsensical.” However, party leader Jairam Ramesh urged the Indian government to release a white paper detailing USAID’s financial support to both governmental and non-governmental institutions in India over the years, aiming for transparency in light of the allegations.
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This development follows previous accusations by the BJP that foreign entities, including the U.S. State Department, are attempting to destabilize India in collaboration with investigative journalists and opposition figures. The party has cited reports suggesting that organizations like the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) receive significant funding from U.S. agencies, claims that OCCRP has denied, asserting its editorial independence.
The controversy underscores the complexities of foreign aid and its potential implications on domestic politics, raising questions about the influence of external funding on India’s democratic processes.
