National

USAID Controversy: Congress Criticizes BJP and Calls for White Paper

Published

1 year ago

February 22, 2025

Escalating its criticism of the BJP regarding the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) issue, the Congress party on Saturday called for a detailed “white paper” on the financial support received by political parties, individuals, NGOs, and organizations from development agencies, aid mechanisms, and multilateral forums.The Congress asserted that the “white paper” should encompass funding from all agencies, not just USAID, that provide support to governments, individuals, and various entities under Indian law.

Notably, the Congress previously argued that the “funds narrative” — referring to the $21 million allocated for enhancing voter turnout in India — was a strategy devised by the BJP-led government to deflect attention from its own misuse of foreign funds to undermine previous Congress governments.

This statement from the Congress followed the BJP’s criticism of Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, for allegedly acting as a “tool for foreign agencies” and collaborating with international networks that purportedly threaten India’s interests. This backlash came after US President Donald Trump acknowledged attempts by past US administrations to influence elections in India.

During a press conference, Pawan Khera, Chairman of the Congress Media and Publicity Department, claimed that the Modi government, along with its ministers and advisors, is entangled in trying to substantiate their allegations regarding a ‘deep state’ and ‘foreign intervention’ in relation to the supposed USAID funding of $21 million.

He further criticized the RSS and BJP, stating, “The RSS-BJP and its affiliates are notorious for two key behaviors: fabricating false narratives and disseminating lies, as well as seeking external support to destabilize Indian democracy and our Constitution. We have already provided numerous instances of how the RSS-BJP have acted as proxies for foreign powers to undermine the credibility of duly elected Congress governments throughout history.”

Khera emphasized that individuals from the RSS-BJP ecosystem making unfounded allegations against credible civil society members, NGOs, and political parties should not only be publicly condemned but also subjected to legal action for spreading falsehoods and misleading the nation.

Additionally, he took a dig at Prime Minister Modi, suggesting he should speak with his “friend,” US President Trump, to categorically deny the claim that America intended to provide $21 million aimed at boosting voter turnout in India.

Related Topics:bjp Congress funds narrative governments

Up Next

Hate Speech Case: BJP Leader George Requests Extension to Appear Before Police

Don't Miss

Union Minister Raises Concerns Over Air India’s Service Quality

Click to comment

National

Killers Travelled 1,400 Km to Murder Delhi Professor

Published

5 days ago

June 7, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Delhi Police solved the murder case of Delhi University professor Debosmita Paul within three days.

Investigators found that the accused had travelled nearly 1,400 km from West Bengal to Delhi to carry out the crime.

Police used CCTV footage, cab booking records, and GPS data to trace the suspects.

Seven special teams conducted raids across four states and arrested the accused in Bardhaman, West Bengal.

The investigation revealed that the murder was linked to a property dispute involving Paul’s ancestral property.

The swift and technology-driven investigation has been widely praised.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.