Congress Should Address Foreign Donations: Union Minister

Hubballi, Feb 20 (NationPress) Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has called for the Congress party to clarify its position regarding a statement made by the U.S. President, who disclosed that a donation of $21 million was previously made to influence the government in India.

Addressing the media in Hubballi on Thursday, Joshi stated: "The reality that an effort was made to sway India's electoral system has now been brought to light by the U.S. President himself. The media has covered this extensively. Reports indicate that during an earlier administration in the U.S., a $21 million donation was funneled into India via a U.S.-based organization. Congress must now provide answers for this," he asserted.

“Who in India was the recipient of such a substantial sum in donations? Which foreign entity was meddling in India's general elections? Congress must be transparent about this," he added.

Joshi also mentioned remarks made by Sam Pitroda, a senior Congress figure, who allegedly acknowledged Congress's direct connections with billionaire George Soros.

"Since this statement has emerged from within their own ranks, Congress leaders should disclose the truth. The question of whether China is an adversary is a separate discussion, but Pitroda claims to be the chairman of Congress' Overseas Affairs Cell, while Congress itself denies any connection with him. They need to clarify this first. Will Congress remove Sam Pitroda from his position? It remains to be seen," he remarked.

He accused Congress of seeking foreign assistance to undermine India's democratic framework and insisted that the party owes an apology to the nation for its actions.

He also mentioned that the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj is being organized in a manner that is clean and devoid of pollution. He shared that he personally participated in a holy dip among the general public and observed that the arrangements were well-organized.

Furthermore, he noted that Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath assured in the state assembly that if any minor irregularities are discovered during such a large event, prompt measures will be taken.

Regarding the clean chit to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the MUDA scam, he expressed that it was already expected that CM Siddaramaiah would be cleared by the Lokayukta.

"When the case was referred to the Lokayukta for investigation, we had already anticipated this outcome," he remarked.

He highlighted that while they hold faith and respect for the Lokayukta judges, the appointment of Additional SPs and DySP-level officers within the Lokayukta is still under the Chief Minister's authority.

He claimed that Siddaramaiah appointed officers who were favorable to him in order to sway the investigation.

Moreover, he asserted that Lokayukta officials scheduled questioning at times that were convenient for the CM and even met him late at night during the inquiry.