Dispute Over USAID Funding: Congress Claims 7 Projects Funded, BJP Calls It ‘Theatrics’
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Synopsis
The dispute regarding USAID funding for 'voter turnout' has ignited a political clash between Congress and BJP. Congress alleges misleading tactics while BJP counters with claims of foreign interference. The funding involves seven projects, sparking further debate over India's sovereignty and governance.
Key Takeaways
- Congress and BJP are in a heated argument over USAID funding.
- Congress accuses BJP of misleading the public.
- BJP defends the funding as a legitimate government initiative.
- USAID is involved in seven projects with a budget of $750 million.
- Concerns about foreign influence on Indian democracy have been raised.
New Delhi, Feb 24 (NationPress) The ongoing dispute regarding USAID funding aimed at enhancing ‘voter turnout’ has sparked a significant political uproar, with both Congress and BJP exchanging sharp criticisms over the alleged ‘beneficiaries’. The Congress party branded it yet another ‘jumla’ designed to mislead the public, while the BJP retaliated by accusing the opposition of collaborating with foreign entities to undermine the nation.
The latest clash erupted this morning when Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh shared the Finance Ministry’s annual report for 2023-24, asserting that the controversial USAID (US Agency for International Development) initiative is involved in seven projects in partnership with the government.
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya quickly countered, labeling Congress's actions as a desperate attempt to distract from the contentious USAID funding.
Detailing the funding specifics, he clarified, “the USAID projects in question are legitimate government-to-government partnerships, transparently managed as Externally Aided Projects (EAPs). The Centre simply directs these funds to states for developmental purposes, which aligns with the principles of cooperative federalism.”
He also pointed out that the projects mentioned in the Finance Ministry’s 2023-24 report shared by Jairam Ramesh were initiated back in 2010-11, a fact that can be verified in the 2014-15 report.
This morning, Congress communications head Jairam Ramesh claimed that USAID is currently executing seven projects in India with a total budget of $750 million.
“None of these projects are related to voter turnout. All are conducted in collaboration with the Union Government,” Ramesh stated.
In response to the accusations, Amit Malviya took to X and questioned, “Why is Congress defending covert involvement by foreign donors and organizations associated with George Soros, which aim to destabilize our democracy under the pretense of philanthropy?”
Moreover, in a strongly worded statement, he declared, “India’s sovereignty is not available for sale. The governance of India will not be dictated by foreign agents disguised as benefactors.”
The debate surrounding the $21 million grant to India intensified after Elon Musk-led DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) claimed it had rescinded the grant aimed at boosting 'voter turnout', a statement supported by US President Donald Trump on multiple occasions.
