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A report from the Finance Ministry outlined that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded projects worth approximately $750 million for the financial year 2023-24. Contrary to accusations, the report clarified that none of this funding was allocated specifically for voter turnout; instead, it targeted sectors such as agriculture, water sanitation, hygiene, renewable energy, and disaster management—aligned significantly with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).
The Congress, however, seized upon the finance ministry report, claiming it contradicts the BJP’s prior statements and reflects poorly on their integrity. BJP spokespersons, in turn, decried these claims as desperate attempts by the Congress party to deflect attention from itself.