Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has stirred controversy with his sharp criticism of the USAID’s $21 million funding aimed at boosting voter turnout in India. His remarks have triggered a fierce political battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress, with both parties engaging in a war of words over foreign interference in India’s electoral processes.
Trump’s Explosive Remarks on USAID’s India Funding
During the Republican Governors Association meeting, Trump made five key statements questioning the USAID allocation to India:
1. Calls USAID Funding a ‘Kickback Scheme’
Trump alleged that the $21 million USAID grant for voter turnout in India was not genuinely meant for India but part of a broader kickback scheme. He stated, “Why do we care about India’s turnout? We have enough problems. We want our own turnout, don’t we?”
2. Questions Why India Needs US Funding
The US President emphasized that India does not need the money, suggesting that the allocation was unnecessary and could be better used domestically in the US.
3. Doubts the Transparency of International Aid
Trump claimed that such foreign aid allocations often involve corruption, saying, “It’s not like they get it and spend; they kick it back to the people who send it.”
4. Links USAID to Electoral Influence
Trump raised concerns over US funding’s potential role in influencing elections, asking, “Can you imagine all that money going to India? I wonder what they think when they get it.”
5. Expands Criticism to Bangladesh
Along with India, Trump also questioned $29 million allocated to Bangladesh to “strengthen its political landscape,” calling the terminology vague and misleading. “Nobody knows what they mean by the political landscape. What does that mean?”
BJP vs Congress: Political War of Words
Trump’s allegations have fueled a heated political debate in India:
• BJP’s Reaction:
BJP leaders have cited Trump’s remarks as evidence that external forces are attempting to influence India’s elections. Amit Malviya, BJP IT cell head, accused Congress of aligning with foreign interests and called for an investigation into USAID’s funding in India.
• Congress’ Response:
Congress hit back at BJP, stating that the Indian government should issue a White Paper detailing the breakdown of USAID’s funding over the years. Jairam Ramesh, Congress leader, dismissed Trump’s comments as “baseless,” but also urged the Modi government to clarify India’s position.
