Washington/New Delhi- Former US President Donald Trump has once again raised concerns over the alleged allocation of USD 21 million by the US government for voter turnout efforts in India, calling it a “kickback scheme.” His remarks have sparked a political debate in India, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) demanding an investigation into the matter.
Addressing the Republican Governors Association (RGA) meeting, Trump questioned why US taxpayer money was being used for electoral processes in India. “Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout, don’t we?” he said. Trump also referenced similar funding initiatives in Bangladesh and biodiversity projects in Nepal, adding, “Anytime you have no idea what we’re talking about, that means there’s a kickback.”
BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari took to social media, calling for a probe into whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and his party were beneficiaries of the alleged funds. “Donald Trump for the second time has said that ‘USD 21 million has gone to voter turnout in India.’ Calls it a ‘Kickback Scheme.’ An investigation is a must to find out if Rahul Gandhi & Congress ecosystem was the beneficiary of this kickback scheme!” Bhandari wrote on X.
The controversy deepened after the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, listed the initiative among several taxpayer-funded programs that had been cancelled. The DOGE, on February 16, announced the termination of a USD 22 million grant meant for “voter turnout in India.”
Trump reiterated his concerns on February 19, drawing a comparison to foreign interference fears in US elections. “I have a lot of respect for India. I have a lot of respect for the prime minister. But we’re giving USD 21 million for voter turnout. What about, like, voter turnout here?” he remarked.
The US government has yet to clarify which entity in India, if any, received the funds. The issue has fueled speculation, with the BJP pressing for further scrutiny into the allocation and usage of the funds.
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