CNN Central News & Network India/ITDC India ePress/ITDC News/Integrated Trade. News : The Congress party has intensified its attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), demanding a clear response from the Narendra Modi government regarding former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent claim about a $21 million USAID fund allocation to India. The opposition has raised concerns over foreign financial aid and its implications for India’s electoral processes, calling for transparency from the ruling party.

At the center of the controversy is a remark made by Donald Trump in a recent speech, where he stated that “$21 million was going to my friend PM Modi in India for voter turnout.” This statement has sparked a political storm in India, with the Congress party accusing the Modi government of hiding crucial details about the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds and their utilization.

Congress Raises Key Questions

During a press conference, Pawan Khera, chairman of the AICC Media & Publicity Department, highlighted three key developments that challenge the BJP’s position on the issue:

Clarification on Trump’s Statement

Congress has demanded that the Modi government clarify whether Trump’s statement was accurate and, if so, provide details about how the funds were used.

Indian and international fact-checkers, including The Washington Post, have suggested that the $21 million was actually allocated to Bangladesh, not India.

However, the Congress party argues that even if the funds were meant for Bangladesh, it raises concerns about the BJP government’s role in regional politics and its relationship with the Bangladeshi administration.

Breakdown of USAID Funding in India

According to Pawan Khera, USAID has disbursed $2.9 billion to India between 2001 and 2024, with the largest portion of these funds allocated during the BJP’s tenure.

Data shows that 44.4% of the funds were allocated between 2014 and 2024, when the BJP-led NDA was in power, compared to 41.3% during the Congress-led UPA’s rule from 2004 to 2013.

Congress is questioning why the BJP has been silent on USAID funding when it has historically accused the opposition of foreign interference.

USAID’s Influence on Government Initiatives

Congress has also raised concerns over past USAID contributions to major government projects such as Digital India and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

The party questioned whether the Modi government has been transparent about the involvement of foreign agencies in India’s developmental programs.

BJP’s Counterattack

In response to Congress’ allegations, the BJP has dismissed the claims as an attempt to divert attention from the opposition’s own history of engaging with foreign entities. The ruling party has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of colluding with foreign powers to undermine the Modi government, a narrative that the BJP has frequently used to target the opposition.

The BJP maintains that USAID’s financial aid to India has always been a part of broader development assistance, benefiting various sectors such as health, education, and digital infrastructure. Senior BJP leaders have also pointed out that USAID funding does not imply political interference in India’s elections.

India-Bangladesh Angle: A New Concern?

One of the most controversial aspects of the USAID funds debate is the potential impact on India’s relationship with Bangladesh. If, as fact-checkers claim, the $21 million was allocated to Bangladesh rather than India, Congress argues that this raises serious geopolitical concerns.

If USAID funds were used to influence Bangladesh’s internal politics, what role did the Indian government play in this?

Did the Modi government collaborate with foreign agencies in any way that could be seen as interference in Bangladesh’s elections?

Why did the BJP fail to highlight that Trump’s claim was factually incorrect from the beginning?

The Congress party claims that by remaining silent on these questions, the Modi government has indirectly admitted to its involvement in a larger political game in the region.

The Election Commission and USAID Links

Another critical point raised by Congress is the updated agreement between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in 2020 under BJP rule.

The Congress has questioned whether there is any link between USAID’s financial support and the ECI’s agreements with foreign organizations.

The party is also demanding transparency regarding any foreign funding that might have influenced electoral mechanisms in India.

Political Reactions and Public Perception

The controversy has fueled intense political debates, with opposition leaders demanding a full disclosure of all foreign funds received during the Modi administration.

TMC leader Derek O’Brien has called for a parliamentary discussion on USAID funding and its impact on India’s sovereignty.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury has urged the government to release detailed records of USAID allocations and how they were utilized.

Several independent political analysts have warned that the issue could escalate into a major electoral talking point ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Conclusion: The Demand for Transparency

As the controversy unfolds, Congress continues to press the Modi government for clear and unambiguous answers regarding USAID funding and foreign aid’s role in India’s electoral and governance systems.

While fact-checkers have debunked Trump’s statement about the $21 million going to India, the broader questions about foreign financial aid, electoral integrity, and India’s diplomatic stance in South Asia remain unanswered.

With the 2024 general elections approaching, the debate over foreign influence in Indian politics is unlikely to die down anytime soon. The Modi government’s response—or lack thereof—will play a crucial role in shaping public perception ahead of the polls.

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