Congress questions BJP about Trump’s USAID funds ‘for friend Modi’ claim

The Congress on Saturday questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party about United States President Donald Trump’s claim that the alleged $21 million funding provided by the US Agency for International Development was for his “friend Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi in India for voter turnout”.

Trump’s statement had “proved that he had given $21 million to Modi to influence the elections and increase voter turnout”, Congress leader Pawan Khera said.

At an event on Friday, Trump questioned why substantial amounts were being sent abroad when they could be used to support the American economy.

“And $21 million going to my friend Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi in India for voter turnout,” Trump said. “We’re giving $21 million for voter turnout in India. What about us? I want voter turnout too.”

The remark by Trump on Friday came amid a row between the ruling BJP and the Congress, with both parties having accused the other of being the beneficiary of the purported funding.

The Opposition party demanded to know from the prime minister “where did these 21 million dollars go?”.

“Because we are constantly asking questions about voter turnout, is this money increasing voter turnout?” Khera asked at a press conference. “No matter how much foreign funds Narendra Modi brings, he will not be able to weaken the democracy of India.”

Khera was…

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