BJP and Congress clash after Donald Trump’s claim about USAID funding for voter turnout in India
A heated exchange has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Congress following former US President Donald Trump’s allegations that USAID provided “$21 million for voter turnout in India.” Trump termed the funding a “kickback scheme” and questioned why the United States was concerned about elections in India, reported timesofindia.indiatimes.com.
BJP accuses Congress of seeking foreign support while Congress calls out BJP’s hypocrisy over foreign funding.
During a press conference, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia linked Trump’s comments to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s 2023 remarks in London about global concerns over Indian democracy. Bhatia accused Congress of using foreign funds to interfere in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
“India is an independent sovereign nation. Why should any foreign entity interfere in our internal matters?” Bhatia asked. He alleged that Congress, unable to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi through democratic means, was turning to foreign forces. He further claimed that Congress sought to destabilise Indian democracy because of India’s rise as a global leader under PM Modi’s leadership.
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Trump’s Allegations Continue to Stir Controversy
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Earlier, Trump reiterated his claim that $21 million was spent on increasing voter turnout in India and implied that the funds were meant to influence the 2024 Lok Sabha elections
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Though he did not name specific beneficiaries, his remarks have intensified the political battle between India’s two main parties
Congress Hits Back at BJP
In response, Congress leader Pawan Khera dismissed the BJP’s allegations and accused them of hypocrisy. He pointed out that BJP leaders, including Smriti Irani, were previously associated with USAID.
“When Smriti Irani was the brand ambassador of USAID and used to protest on the roads, was USAID behind those protests?” Khera questioned.
Khera also criticized the government’s security agencies for failing to prevent foreign influence if the allegations were true. “If 21 million dollars came into India, where are Ajit Doval, IB, and RAW? This is a slap in their face,” he said.
He further accused the BJP of shifting narratives, pointing out that the ruling party first claimed the funds were intended to destabilise PM Modi’s government but later alleged the money came during the UPA government in 2012.
BJP-Congress History of Foreign Funding Accusations
Khera also referenced the anti-corruption protests led by Anna Hazare, which contributed to Congress losing power. He alleged that the RSS and foreign entities, like the Ford Foundation, supported those protests.
“Anna Hazare launched a protest, and after that, our government lost the elections. Then he went to America and held roadshows. Everyone knows he received money from the Ford Foundation,” Khera claimed.
He also criticized PM Modi for allegedly pandering to the US, referencing his visit during Trump’s presidency. “PM Modi went to the US uninvited and smiled even when Trump threatened to impose reciprocal tariffs and end BRICS,” Khera added.
The BJP doubled down on its accusations, alleging that the $21 million was used to “sustain deep-state assets” who defend and deflect such revelations.
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