BJP Takes Advantage of Trump’s Statement to Attack Congress Over Alleged Use of Foreign Funds in Indian Elections
BJP Uses Trump’s Claim to Target Congress Amid Election Controversy
Fact-Check Reveals the $21 Million Funding Was for Bangladesh, Not India
Trump and Musk Misled: The Truth Behind the $21 Million Funding to India
Fact Check: U.S. President Donald Trump is no stranger to making controversial statements. Recently, he made a remark regarding India’s elections that stirred a political dispute between BJP and Congress. On February 19th, Trump stated during an event, “America provided $21 million in funding to increase voter turnout in India. Perhaps they (Biden’s administration) wanted to form a government from another party in India.”
Musk also supported the claim
Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) backed Trump’s statement, saying, “USAID, the U.S. agency, funds countries worldwide. $21 million was contributed to increase voter participation in India.”
Trump’s claim became ammunition for the BJP, which used it to launch sharp attacks on Congress. The BJP questioned Congress, accusing them of using foreign funds to influence voters and try to bring another party to power when Narendra Modi became Prime Minister in 2014.
Congress demands proof and challenges Trump
In response to BJP’s accusations, Congress senior leader and communication in-charge Jairam Ramesh demanded evidence about the funding received from USAID. He asked for a list of all financial aid provided to India by USAID. Congress dismissed Trump’s statement as “baseless” and “meaningless.”
Trump’s claim exposed
The Trump administration recently announced its decision to cut off economic aid to several countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, and India. A fact-check by Indian Express revealed that the $21 million claim was not for India but for Bangladesh.
U.S. Financial Assistance Data
Data on U.S. economic assistance shows that since 2008, USAID has not provided any funding to India. The $21 million aid was approved for Bangladesh in July 2022. This funding was allocated for the “Amar Vote Amar” (My Vote is Mine – I will cast my vote as per my own choice) awareness campaign.
Under this program, “Nagarik Program” (Democracy Awareness Programs) were organized in several universities across Bangladesh. The political process adviser from USAID in Dhaka confirmed the funding in a social media post during his visit to the U.S. in December 2024. The funding is set to continue for three years, ending in July 2025. The data indicates that $13.4 million of the $21 million has already been utilized.
Evidence from a Bangladeshi Professor
Professor and adviser at Dhaka University, Ayanul Islam, posted on Facebook and LinkedIn, stating, “Since September 2022, a total of 544 ‘Nagarik Programs’ have been organized in various universities in Bangladesh, with 10,264 youth participants. These programs, aimed at raising democratic awareness, were made possible through USAID funding.”
