India Expresses Concern Over USAID’s $21 Million Fund for Voter Turnout Amid Political Controversy

India has raised serious concerns regarding the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allocating a $21 million fund aimed at boosting voter turnout in the country back in 2012. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that such foreign involvement in India’s electoral process raises significant concerns regarding external interference in domestic affairs. The government has confirmed that relevant agencies are closely examining the matter to determine its implications and any potential breaches of India’s sovereignty.

The controversy surrounding the USAID fund has triggered a heated political battle between India’s two major political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress. While both parties have denounced any form of foreign influence in India’s democratic processes, they have also engaged in a blame game over the matter. The ruling BJP has accused the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, which was in power in 2012, of systematically allowing external forces to infiltrate India’s institutions, thereby compromising national interests. Meanwhile, the Congress party has countered the claims, asserting that the only beneficiary of the fund was the BJP, hinting at deeper political maneuvering behind the scenes.

The issue has also caught international attention, with former US President Donald Trump criticizing the decision taken under his successor, Joe Biden. Trump, who initiated the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has questioned why the US government allocated millions of dollars toward voter turnout in India. In a strongly worded statement, he implied that the funding may have been an attempt to influence India’s electoral outcomes.

“Why did we spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? It looks like they were trying to get someone else elected. We need to tell the Indian government about this. This is a major revelation,” Trump remarked, highlighting his administration’s commitment to curbing unnecessary foreign expenditures.

Trump further emphasized that in a short span, the DOGE initiative had already led to federal savings of over $55 billion and that his administration was determined to continue reducing wasteful government spending. He reiterated that a leaner, more efficient government would contribute to rapid economic growth in the United States, further strengthening the nation’s financial standing.

Adding to the controversy, reports indicate that another $29 million from the same USAID program was allocated to Bangladesh, with the stated objective of “strengthening the political landscape” in the country. This funding has drawn attention given Bangladesh’s recent political upheaval, which saw a massive student-led revolution resulting in the removal of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The political transition led to Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assuming power, a development that has sparked discussions about the role of external influences in Bangladesh’s democratic process.

The revelations regarding USAID’s involvement in South Asian politics have prompted growing concerns over foreign funding in electoral processes. With India now officially investigating the matter, the debate over sovereignty, electoral integrity, and foreign intervention is likely to intensify in the coming weeks. As political parties continue to trade allegations, the focus remains on ensuring that India’s democratic framework remains independent, transparent, and free from any external influence.

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