Daijiworld Media Network - Hubballi

Hubballi, Feb 21: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution, and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, claimed on Friday that the remarks made by former US President Donald Trump regarding election funding to India and the subsequent cessation of this aid confirm allegations that the Leftists and Congress were working with foreign entities to interfere in the nation’s electoral process.

Speaking to reporters in Hubballi, Joshi said, “We don’t know why such huge funds were given. Earlier, one of our MPs had also referred to it. At that time, there was an allegation that certain people sought external assistance to defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi. President Trump’s statement and the subsequent halting of this aid confirm those charges.”

“The Leftists and Congress have been working with foreign agencies to influence India’s elections,” Joshi alleged.

The Minister condemned the alleged involvement of foreign forces, stating, “This is the most shameful act by these parties. We strongly condemn it. Even regarding Sam Pitroda’s statement, they are now trying to distance themselves. But whenever the situation gets difficult for them, they do the same.”

Joshi also took aim at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, claiming, “Let me remind you that when Rahul Gandhi was the Congress president, he accepted funds from China for his party. During the Doklam standoff, Rahul Gandhi met the Chinese Ambassador.”

The Union Minister further added, “If you recall recent history — I’m not talking about 50 years ago, but very recent times — the Congress party has been attempting to use external agencies and foreign funds to interfere in India’s elections. They must apologise to the nation.”

When questioned about the BJP’s meeting in Bengaluru, Joshi clarified that he would not be attending. “Since I have to travel to Chandigarh, I will not be going to Bengaluru. Let the state leaders discuss the fight against the corrupt government in Karnataka. Our state office bearers will deliberate on the matter and decide the best strategy,” he said.

On the issue of the Greater Bengaluru project, Joshi voiced strong opposition, stating, “We strongly oppose the concept of Greater Bengaluru. Our experience in Delhi, which was divided into four parts, has proven to be a failure. Similar divisions in other cities have also been unsuccessful. In this context, we oppose it. We support Bengaluru as envisioned by its founder, Kempe Gowda.”

Trump's statement on election funding

US President Donald Trump has once again questioned the $21 million USAID funding to India in 2012 for voter turnout, calling it a “kickback scheme.”

Speaking to Republican governors, Trump said, "What the hell do I care? We have enough problems of our own," without providing any proof for his claims.

Trump alleged that such funds are often “kicked back” to those who allocate them and also raised concerns over a $29 million grant for political reforms in Bangladesh. He claimed his administration had terminated these expenditures, labelling them as wasteful.

His remarks have sparked a political controversy in India, with BJP leaders using them to target Congress, accusing them of involvement with foreign forces to undermine India's electoral process.