Sat Feb 22 12:46:40 UTC 2025: ## Congress Accuses BJP of Spreading Misinformation Regarding USAID Funding
**New Delhi, February 22, 2025** – The political sparring intensified on Saturday over allegations of $21 million in USAID funding intended to influence Indian voter turnout. Congress party spokesperson Pawan Khera doubled down on demands for a government white paper investigating USAID and other foreign agency funding in India, citing a Washington Post report that found no evidence of such funding for voter turnout.
Khera accused the BJP and RSS of creating a false narrative, pointing out that USAID has been involved in various Indian initiatives, including the Cashless India campaign and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan. He questioned the BJP’s stance given past collaborations with USAID. He further called for legal action against those spreading misinformation.
The controversy began after the US Department of Government Efficiency announced the cancellation of $21 million in USAID funding, a move US President Donald Trump called a “kickback” scheme. Trump also questioned US involvement in Indian elections.
The Ministry of External Affairs described the funding as “deeply troubling” and expressed concerns about foreign interference. The BJP accuses Congress of using external influence in India’s electoral process. Congress, however, maintains its accusations are based on verifiable evidence and calls for transparency in foreign funding.
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