Trump Calls $21 Million US Fund To India A ‘Kickback Scheme’ As BJP Seeks Probe Into ‘Deep State’ Angle

US President Donald Trump has raised the alleged US funding of USD 21 million for the 'voter turnout' in India, calling it "kickbacks."

He has claimed that the funding was used to sustain "deep state assets" in India while demanding a probe into the matter.

What Trump Said?

Speaking at the Republican Governors Association (RGA) meeting, Trump said, "And USD 21 million for voter turnout in India. Why are we caring about India turnout? We got enough problems. We want our own turnout, don't we? Can you imagine all that money going to India? I wonder what they think when they get it. Now, it's a kickback scheme. You know, it's not like they get it and they spend, they kick it back to the people that send it.

I would say in many cases, many of these cases, anytime you have no idea what we're talking about, that means there's a kickback because nobody has any idea what's going on there. USD 29 million to strengthen the political landscape in Bangladesh. Nobody knows what they mean by political landscape. What does that mean?"

"USD 20 million for fiscal federalism and USD 19 million for biodiversity in Nepal, USD 47 million for improving learning outcomes in Asia. What the hell do I care about? We got a lot. We got enough problems and all of this is terminated. We terminated this stuff and we're on the track. And by the way, there were so many others I could have I could read all night long, but so many were so terrible, and were actually disgusting. And I know you're eating your dinner, so I didn't want to do that but we're draining the swamp," he continued

How BJP Reacts?

As the US President made those claims, the BJP has attacked the Congress, accusing it of being a beneficiary.

Targeting the Congress, BJP leader Amit Malviya claimed that the said money was being used to "sustain deep-state assets" in India "who work to defend and deflect such revelations."

Posting Trump's video on X, Malviya added, "A day after US President Donald Trump spoke about $21 million being sent to India for voter turnout, he has reiterated the charge. And no, he is not confusing it with the $29 million funneled into Bangladesh. This time, he has also mentioned kickbacks. Essentially, this money is also used to sustain deep-state assets who work to defend and deflect such revelations. We are now witnessing the same pattern unfold in India."

BJP national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari has demanded a probe into the allegations to know whether Rahul Gandhi and Congress party were the "beneficiaries" of the alleged kickbacks.

"Donald Trump for the second time has said that -"21 Million Dollar has gone to voter turnout in India". Calls it a "Kick Back Scheme". An investigation is must to find out if Rahul Gandhi & Congress ecosystem was beneficiary of this kickback scheme!" Bhandari said on X.

It was all started after US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) shared a list of cancelled US taxpayer-funded initiatives with a mention of USD 21 million earmarked for "voter turnout in India."

On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump made an explosive claim hinting at an interference by the US government under the previous Biden administration in the Indian elections.

Addressing the FII PRIORITY Summit, US President Donald Trump says, "... Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected. We have got to tell the Indian Government... This is a total breakthrough..."