Former USAID India director Veena Reddy has come under scrutiny after reports emerged about a $21 million grant meant for voter turnout efforts in India, which was later revoked. The controversy has sparked political debate, with Donald Trump and BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani questioning its intent and potential impact on India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Trump Alleges U.S. Interference in India’s Elections
During a speech, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the Joe Biden administration had sanctioned $21 million to USAID for boosting voter turnout in India. He hinted that the move could have been an attempt to influence election outcomes, stating:
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“Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected.”
Following this revelation, BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani raised concerns about the involvement of Veena Reddy, who was USAID India director from 2021 until July 2024. He questioned whether the funds were used to influence voters and why Reddy left India shortly after the general elections.
Who Is Veena Reddy?
Veena Reddy is an American diplomat of Indian origin, born in Andhra Pradesh. She joined USAID India on August 5, 2021, serving as the mission’s India director for three years before returning to the U.S. in July 2024.
Her Career Background:
- Reddy has a law degree from Columbia University and completed her MA and BA from the University of Chicago.
- She previously worked as a corporate attorney in New York, London, and Los Angeles.
- Before her tenure in India, she served in USAID missions in Central Asia, Central America, and Pakistan.
- She is a member of the California and New York Bar Councils.
Veena Reddy’s Work in India
During her time as USAID India director, Reddy worked on projects related to:
- Economic development
- Education and social services
- Human rights and governance
- Health and digital payments
She played a key role in USAID-funded agreements with several Indian organizations, including:
- Indian Railways
- Ministry of Power
- NITI Aayog
- National Power Training Institute (NPTI)
- Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- Atal Innovation Mission
She also attended high-profile government events and was a key speaker at various international forums, including World Toilet Day 2023.
Political Reactions and Ongoing Investigation
Jethmalani alleged that the USAID voter turnout funding could have been a regime change operation, stating:
“Veena Reddy was sent to India in 2021. Post the Lok Sabha elections 2024, she returned to the U.S. Pity because investigating agencies here could have asked her some questions about who this money was given to.”
The controversy has fueled debates on foreign funding in Indian elections, and further investigations may be underway to determine whether the funds were intended for election influence.
