Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed concern about a “political Covid” affecting India’s democracy, responding to Donald Trump’s criticism of a $21 million USAID funding for Indian voter turnout, which Trump labeled a “kickback scheme.” Dhankhar condemned attempts to manipulate the democratic process, emphasizing that only Indian citizens should determine electoral outcomes. He called for accountability and exposure of those involved in undermining democracy. Dhankhar also criticized the disrespect shown towards constitutional authorities, particularly aimed at President Droupadi Murmu, following remarks by Sonia Gandhi, which were deemed in “poor taste” by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, highlighting a broader issue of societal respect for institutions.
According to Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, a “political Covid” has permeated the Indian political landscape and society, undermining democracy. This statement came on Friday following U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of a $21 million funding allocation from the United States government for India through the global aid agency USAID in 2012, which Trump labeled a “kickback scheme” targeting ‘voter turnout’.
Dhankhar expressed his shock, emphasizing that Trump’s comments indicated an attempt to “modulate” and “manipulate” the democratic process in India.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) operates health and emergency initiatives in approximately 120 nations. Earlier this month, Trump advocated for the closure of USAID, intensifying his extraordinary efforts to dismantle the humanitarian organization.
Addressing a Rajya Sabha Internship Programme in Delhi, Dhankhar stated, “The right to elect belongs solely to the Indian people. Any interference or manipulation of this process undermines our democratic values and subverts our democracy, leading us into servitude and subservience.”
He continued, “From this platform, I urge everyone: it is time to confront this malaise, this political COVID that is infiltrating our society with the intention of destroying our democracy. Those involved in this nefarious activity, who have profited from this deliberate, harmful strategy, must be shamed and held accountable, fully exposed.”
The shocking revelations have emerged from none other than the President of the United States.
He claimed that fiscal resources were exploited and funds were injected to manipulate our democratic outcomes. He has even expressed his views that someone else… pic.twitter.com/yChX2bLVYh
— Vice-President of India (@VPIndia) February 21, 2025
Dhankhar lamented that Indian institutions suffer from “structured taint,” which he identified as a “facet of wokeism.”
He noted, “Our Constitutional office holders are being ridiculed, whether it be the President, Vice-President, or Prime Minister. These are not merely political positions; they are our institutions. There is a glaring lack of respect. It pains me to see the first tribal woman President of our country being shamed and mocked, especially while performing her Constitutional duties during the joint session of Parliament,” referring to Sonia Gandhi’s comments about President Droupadi Murmu’s address at the budget session’s commencement.
Gandhi’s remarks drew significant backlash from both the ruling BJP and the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
“The President was getting very tired by the end. She could hardly speak, poor thing,” Sonia Gandhi commented to journalists.
The Rashtrapati Bhavan characterized these remarks as being “in poor taste.”