A political storm erupted after Trump's administration alleged that USAID allocated $21 million for "voter turnout in India", sparking accusations from India's ruling BJP against the opposition Congress. However, official records reveal a critical error—the funds were never meant for India but for Bangladesh.
The USAID grant, sanctioned in July 2022, was intended for Bangladesh's "Amar Vote Amar" (My Vote is Mine) project, later renamed "Nagorik" (Citizen) Program. The $21 million fund was divided among three Washington-based organizations—IFES, IRI, and NDI—which work on democracy and governance projects. So far, $13.4 million has been spent, with the project set to run until July 2025.
Despite USAID's own data confirming no such Indian project exists, Trump's remarks in Miami fueled misinformation. The controversy has intensified political rhetoric in India, with leaders using the claim to accuse opponents of foreign influence in elections.
As the debate rages on, the bigger question remains: Was this a mere oversight, or a deliberate attempt to stir controversy ahead of key elections?
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