A fresh political storm has erupted in India following US President Donald Trump’s remarks on USAID’s $21 million funding for India’s voter turnout. His comments have intensified the ongoing feud between the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress, with accusations flying from both sides. BJP leaders claim that Congress has invited foreign interference in Indian elections, while Congress has retaliated by demanding transparency on USAID’s funding history in India. The controversy has now put the spotlight on Veena Reddy, the former head of USAID India, with growing calls for an investigation into her tenure.
BJP Links Trump’s Remarks to Rahul Gandhi
BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad wasted no time in seizing on Trump’s statement, linking it to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s previous comments on democracy abroad. Playing recordings of both Trump and Gandhi, Prasad accused the Congress of undermining India’s electoral integrity.
“It is a matter of shame what the Congress has done. Rahul Gandhi has mocked Indian democracy abroad and sought foreign intervention,” Prasad asserted, further fueling the political clash.
Trump, in his statement, expressed skepticism about USAID’s funding in India, saying, “Why do we need to spend $21 million for voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected.” His remark has amplified BJP’s allegations that foreign entities were being used to sway India’s democratic process.
Congress has dismissed Trump’s allegations as baseless, maintaining that USAID’s funding has historically been aimed at developmental initiatives rather than election-related interference. However, BJP remains unconvinced, demanding greater scrutiny of USAID’s operations in India.
Veena Reddy Under Fire
As the controversy over USAID’s funding deepens, attention has turned toward Veena Reddy, former Mission Director for USAID India. BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani has openly questioned her role in the funding process, raising concerns about the timing of her appointment and subsequent departure from India.
“USAID allocated $21 million for ‘voter turnout,’ a euphemism for influencing elections. Veena Reddy was sent to India in 2021 and left post the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Pity, because investigating agencies here could have questioned her on who received the money,” Jethmalani stated.
Who is Veena Reddy?
Veena Reddy is an Indian-American diplomat with an extensive background in international development. She was the first Indian-American to lead USAID operations in India and Bhutan. Her career highlights include:
- Mission Director for USAID India and Bhutan (2021–2024)
- Mission Director in Cambodia, focusing on food security, health, education, and governance
- Deputy Mission Director in Haiti, leading post-earthquake reconstruction efforts
- Educational Background: Holds a Juris Doctor from Columbia University School of Law and degrees from the University of Chicago
- Prior Experience: Worked as a corporate attorney in New York, London, and Los Angeles before joining USAID
Veena Reddy’s Exit Raises Questions
On July 17, 2024, over a month after the Lok Sabha elections, Reddy announced her return to the US. While this may appear routine, BJP leaders have raised concerns about the timing of her departure, suggesting it warrants an investigation into the USAID funding process.
What Comes Next?
The row over USAID’s funding is far from over. BJP is intensifying its demand for a probe, while Congress insists on a government-issued white paper to clarify USAID’s funding history in India. With accusations mounting, this controversy is set to escalate, potentially influencing political narratives ahead of future elections. Whether the Indian government will order an official investigation remains to be seen, but for now, Trump’s statement has reignited a fierce political battle in India.
(With inputs from agencies)
