Political parties are busy in a fresh controversy of the alleged $21 million reportedly given to unspecified Indian entities. It opens one more Pandora’s Box in a country which witnessed hundreds of scams in the past. The present scam is related to $21 million (`180 crore) which came through USAID (United States Agency for International Development).
Government representatives are saying that this amount came for constructive activities. It was allowed in good faith for activities of good faith. It is also being suggested from America that there are some bad faith activities also.
The US President Trumpis known for loose talks. It is relevant to point out that in his firstterm (2016-2020) also he acted irresponsibly. There are countless cases in which he was accused of telling lies and breaking his promises. The world expected that in his present term, which would be his last, he would act more responsibly. But his actions suggest that his policies would turn the world upside down and do irreparable damage to humanity. Without going into details,we can point out to Trump’s statements and policies regarding Mexico, Canada, Panama Canal, Greenland, Russia-Ukraine war, proposed expulsion of 2 million Palestinians from Gaza, etc.
In the light of above quoted examples, Trump’s statement on the misuse of USAID funds meant for voter turnout should be viewed. The present controversy raises from Trump’s first two statements that $21 million was paid to India. Recently he said in a Governors meet in the USA that $21 million was given to “my good friend PM Modi”.
In this regard Congress spokesman Pawan Khera has raised several very important questions. Whether part of the funding for Democratic Participation and Civil Society Programmes also went to Modi’s campaign to become the BJP’s PM candidate in a conspiracy against veteran Advani?The Washington Post has reported that there was no record of plans to send $21 million to India.
Khera has also questioned about “the Modi government, its economic adviser, the BJP’s IT cell head, its ecosystem and media groups’ role, which are trying to hide facts and thereby confuse people.”
Khera also demanded that Modi must immediately telephone ‘his friend’ and ask him why he has done this. If Modi does not do this, it means that what Trump is saying is correct. Khera has also given the details of the breakup of USAID funds sent to India from time to time.
It is a very negative thing that malpractices in our political system and even in government agencies are a regular feature of our governance. It is a well-known fact that foreign powers, especially the US continuously practise regime change and intervention in internal affairs of other countries. These clandestine interventions are done by using overt and covert methods.
The situation demands that the Government come clean and place the real facts through a white paper. Otherwise there is a danger that people will lose faith in the ruling party and consequently in democracy itself.
PM Modi must break his silence and fully disclose what the facts are. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) must be having the facts and figures in its possession. Can we expect that the Supreme Court will take the suo motto cognizance of the controversies and conspiracies, and order an urgent investigation. If we keep silent, India would be doing a huge disservice to itself, its Constitution and finally to its future as a democratic country.