Synopsis
US President Donald Trump has accused the Biden administration of misusing USAID funds, claiming $21 million was allocated to India for 'voter turnout' to influence the 2024 elections. The BJP has echoed his claims, demanding a probe into potential kickbacks and the involvement of deep-state assets.Key Takeaways
- Trump criticizes Biden for USAID fund allocations.
- Claims $21 million aimed at influencing Indian voter turnout.
- Labels the funding a ‘kickback scheme’.
- BJP demands investigation into the claims.
- Similar patterns observed in India according to BJP leaders.
New Delhi, Feb 21 (NationPress) Continuing his criticism of the prior Biden administration regarding the allocation of USAID funds to manipulate elections and governance in other nations, US President Donald Trump on Friday reiterated his accusation of $21 million being directed towards India for ‘voter turnout’ aimed at influencing the upcoming 2024 elections.
The US President escalated his claims by labeling it a ‘kickback scheme’, although he did not specify who stood to gain from it.
The BJP quickly seized on Trump’s charged remarks about ‘kickbacks’ disguised as USAID funds, asserting that this money was utilized to support deep-state assets.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also shared a clip of Trump’s address, where he reiterated his claims regarding the allocation of $21 million for ‘voter turnout in India’ and $29 million for maintaining the political landscape in Bangladesh.
“$21 million for voter turnout in India. Why are we concerned about India’s turnout? We have enough issues at home. Shouldn’t we focus on our own turnout? Can you believe that much money is sent to India?” Trump stated during the Republican Governors Association (RGA) meeting.
He referred to it as a kickback scheme, saying, “It’s not like they receive it and spend it; it’s kicked back to the individuals. In many cases, if you have no idea about what we’re discussing, it indicates a kickback because there’s a lack of transparency.”
Amit Malviya remarked that the US President was direct and sharp in his accusations and was not holding back. He also suggested that similar events were occurring in India and called for an investigation into the ‘deep state’ aspect.
“A day after US President Donald Trump mentioned $21 million allocated to India for voter turnout, he has reaffirmed his claims. And no, he is not confusing it with the $29 million sent to Bangladesh. This time, he has also brought up kickbacks. Essentially, this money supports deep-state assets that aim to protect and divert attention from such disclosures. We are now observing a similar pattern in India,” he noted.
“Donald Trump has reiterated that $21 million has been allocated for voter turnout in India,” BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari stated on X. “He calls it a Kick Back Scheme. An investigation is necessary to determine if Rahul Gandhi and the Congress ecosystem benefited from this kickback scheme!”
Discussing USAID funding for Bangladesh, Trump commented, “$29 million to bolster the political landscape in Bangladesh. What does that even mean by political landscape?”
