Trump Alleges USAID Funds to India a ‘Kickback Scheme,’ BJP Targets Rahul Gandhi

Former US President Donald Trump has reignited controversy by calling the USAID funding to India for “voter turnout” a “kickback scheme” at a Republican Governors’ conference. His remarks come a day after he questioned the Biden administration’s decision to allocate $21 million for the initiative, hinting at possible election interference in India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

“$21 million for voter turnout in India. Why are we caring about India’s turnout? We got enough problems… it’s a kickback scheme,” Trump asserted, without providing evidence on who benefitted. He made the statement while listing USAID programs reportedly canceled by the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), aimed at cutting government spending.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) quickly seized on Trump’s claims, using them to attack Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. BJP leaders accused Gandhi of seeking foreign intervention in India’s elections, citing his past remarks at a London event where he reportedly discussed democracy and global support.

The controversy has sparked a heated political debate, with the opposition dismissing the allegations as baseless. Congress leaders argue that BJP is attempting to divert attention from domestic issues ahead of upcoming elections.

While the USAID funding remains under scrutiny, Trump’s remarks have added a fresh dimension to the ongoing political clash between India’s ruling party and the opposition.