New Delhi: Expressing concern over the influence of foreign funding on India’s political affairs, the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to explain to the nation why the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funds were received and how they were utilized.
Raising the issue on the international level, IOC UK President Kamal Dhaliwal said that Indians living abroad are deeply concerned about foreign influence in Indian politics and the utilization of USAID funds, demanding an investigation into their use.
"We are concerned about the influence of foreign powers in Indian elections. The ruling party, Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi must explain why USAID funds were accepted and how they have been used. A thorough investigation is needed to identify the main beneficiaries of these funds."
Quoting US President Donald Trump's statement wherein he alleged that the USAID allocated $21 million to India to boost voter turnout, suggesting a “kickback scheme Dhaliwal alleged that the truth has been revealed by Trump “At the same time, he alleged “ BJP is very quick in spreading fake news about Indian National Congress (INC) leaders, how will they justify President Trump statement? Why foreign funds were accepted?
Vikram Duhan, General Secretary of IOC UK, demanded an investigation into the receipt and utilization of USAID funds by the Indian government in light of Trump’s statement.
He alleged that the statement has brought attention to the intersection of international aid, domestic politics, and the integrity of India’s electoral system under BJP rule.