21 million dollars kickback? Trump's USAID remark opens pandora's box in India
Donald Trump's claim of a "kickback scheme" in USAID's $21 million voter turnout fund for India sparks political turmoil, igniting accusations between BJP and Congress over foreign interference.
The controversy surrounding U.S. funding for voter turnout in India has escalated following remarks by former President Donald Trump, who labeled the $21 million allocation as a “kickback scheme.” This statement has ignited a political firestorm in India, with both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress party engaging in a heated exchange over alleged foreign interference in Indian elections.
Trump's Controversial Claims
During a recent address to the Republican Governors Association, Trump questioned the need for U.S. taxpayer dollars to be spent on voter turnout initiatives in India. He expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such funding, suggesting it was more about supporting certain political interests than genuine electoral engagement. “Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems,” he stated, further implying that the funds were likely funneled back to those who orchestrated the scheme.
Political Fallout in India
Trump's comments have led to a fierce backlash from Indian political leaders. Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's IT cell, accused the opposition Congress of using these funds to sustain "deep-state assets" within India. He called for an investigation into this alleged conspiracy, linking it to broader concerns about foreign influence in Indian politics. In response, Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera criticized the BJP for allowing such funding to enter India during their tenure, questioning whether it contributed to their electoral victories.
Calls for Accountability
As the political slugfest continues, both parties are demanding accountability and transparency regarding foreign funding in Indian elections. The BJP has urged an inquiry into whether Congress benefitted from U.S. financial support, while Congress has dismissed Trump's allegations as baseless and nonsensical. This clash highlights ongoing tensions regarding external influences on India's democratic processes and raises questions about the integrity of electoral funding.
