USAID Fund Misuse Allegations: Congress-BJP Clash Over Foreign Aid in Indian Elections.
The Indian government has clarified that USAID funds, amounting to approximately $750 million, were not used to influence elections but were allocated for agriculture, food security, water management, renewable energy, and disaster management projects. Allegations arose claiming the funds were misused during Congress rule to prevent BJP’s rise to power. Congress denied the accusations and questioned BJP’s current handling of foreign aid. The ongoing political dispute highlights tensions over foreign funding in India’s democratic processes.
Delhi: Allegations have emerged that USAID funds, initially allocated to boost voter participation in elections, were misused to influence regime change. In response, the central government has clarified that these funds were not used to increase voter turnout.
During the Congress-led government, accusations surfaced claiming that the funds were misappropriated, particularly to prevent the BJP from coming to power. Congress has denied these allegations but has now questioned how the BJP is managing the current funds.
The Ministry of Finance has released details regarding the projects implemented using these funds. It stated that the United States has provided approximately $750 million through USAID, which has been utilized for seven key projects. However, none of these projects are related to voter participation or election processes. In the fiscal year 2023-24, the U.S. granted a total loan of ₹825 crore to India. The government clarified that this funding has been allocated for projects focused on agriculture, food security, water management, sanitation, renewable energy, and disaster management. Additionally, the funds have been used for forestry and climate data projects.
The U.S. has been providing such assistance since 1951, not only to India but also to various developing countries, especially in Africa, where substantial funding is directed toward healthcare and medical advancements.
Meanwhile, a political clash has erupted between the central government and Congress over the fund allocation. Congress has accused the BJP of using previously allocated funds against them. It has also raised concerns about the current usage of USAID funds. Before the last parliamentary elections, Rahul Gandhi traveled abroad, where he allegedly encouraged foreign entities to highlight corruption issues against India—a claim made by the BJP. The BJP further alleged that U.S. funds were used for this purpose. Congress has strongly refuted these accusations.
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