Trump's '$21m for Voter Turnout' Claim Triggers Political Row in India

 

### Trump's '$21m for Voter Turnout' Claim Triggers Political Row in India  

Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently sparked political controversy in India by claiming that his administration had cut off $21 million in funding intended to boost voter turnout in India. This statement has ignited a debate over the accuracy of the information, especially after reports clarified that the funds were actually allocated to Bangladesh, not India.  

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### Background of the Claim  

During a meeting with the Republican Governors Association, Trump expressed his dissatisfaction with the allocation of $21 million to increase voter turnout in India, questioning the rationale behind such spending amidst domestic challenges in the U.S. He speculated that the funds could be part of a “kickback scheme” aimed at redirecting money to certain entities.  

However, an investigation by *The Indian Express* revealed that the funding in question was never intended for India. According to official records from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), no projects under the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) were conducted in India since 2008. Instead, the $21 million was allocated in 2022 to support youth civic engagement initiatives in Bangladesh ahead of the January 2024 elections. By the time the funding was canceled, $13.4 million had already been used.  

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### Political Reactions in India  

Trump’s remarks have triggered diverse reactions in India. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) called for an investigation into alleged "deep state" interference and the potential impact on Indian electoral processes. BJP leaders argued that, if true, the claims could indicate attempts to influence election outcomes in the country.  

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### Fact-Check and Clarification  

According to a fact-check by *Business Standard*, the funds were earmarked for initiatives to encourage youth participation in Bangladesh’s democratic processes. USAID clarified that these programs aimed at fostering civic engagement and were not connected to any Indian election activities.  

The controversy underscores the need for accurate information, particularly on sensitive topics such as electoral funding and foreign influence. While Trump’s statement stirred political debates, subsequent investigations revealed that the funding was intended to support democratic processes in Bangladesh, not India.  

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