BJP Hits Back at Congress Over Smriti Irani's USAID Allegations
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Synopsis
A fierce debate has arisen between the BJP and Congress over allegations linking Smriti Irani to USAID, a prominent US-based aid agency facing accusations of undermining democratically elected governments abroad.
Key Takeaways
- BJP and Congress clash over Smriti Irani's USAID links.
- Priyank Kharge accuses BJP of double standards.
- Amit Malviya defends Irani's past as WHO Goodwill Ambassador.
- USAID under scrutiny for international interference.
- George Soros's funding to organizations raises eyebrows.
New Delhi, Feb 18 (NationPress) A heated exchange erupted between the BJP and Congress on Tuesday regarding claims about former Union Minister Smriti Irani and her alleged connections with USAID, one of the largest aid agencies based in the US, which is currently facing criticism for allegedly destabilising democratically elected governments in various countries.
The confrontation started when Priyank Kharge, the Karnataka minister and son of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, criticized the BJP leader for endorsing 'USAID projects' in India, accusing the ruling party of being the “real agents of George Soros.”
Kharge mentioned that Smriti Irani had held the position of USAID Goodwill Ambassador to India and presented an official document to highlight the ruling party's double standards in attacking the US billionaire for political leverage.
This prompted a swift and pointed response from the BJP. The BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya detailed that the program had remarkable success between 2002 and 2005, as documented in a report by IIM-Indore, asserting that the Congress party, led by “men of no accomplishments,” was attempting to “demean and defame” it.
Amit Malviya noted that Smriti Irani was appointed by the WHO as the Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) Goodwill Brand Ambassador from 2002 to 2005 due to her immense popularity from the television series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi during the Congress-led UPA era.
On X, Malviya further pointed out, “The WHO campaign featuring Smriti Irani was supported by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC), among others, which allowed promotional materials to be showcased on its buses.”
He urged the grand old party to cease their ‘obsession’ with Smriti Irani, stating, “This is what happens when men of no accomplishments find themselves in positions of presumed relevance within inconsequential organisations.”
“The fact that she triumphed over Rahul Gandhi at the polls will remain a lingering nightmare for them,” he added, delivering a sharp jab at the longstanding party.
It is noteworthy that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a major US government-funded organization, is currently under investigation for its involvement in foreign affairs and was criticized by the Trump administration. The US President has since instructed a complete freeze on all foreign aid.
Reports indicate that USAID allocated over $270 million to organizations funded by George Soros. His Open Society Foundations has been accused of utilizing USAID funds to meddle in the political environments of other nations and even influencing electoral outcomes.
