NEW DELHI: The Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday launched a sharp critique of the BJP-led central government, questioning their repeated promise of making India a $5 trillion economy. He also indirectly took a jab on BJP’s ‘double engine’ governments, wondering aloud whether one of the engines is ‘foreign’.
In his post on X, former UP CM posted, “People are asking whether the ‘21 million dollars’ from the US is also included in the trillion-trillion dollar narrative that the BJP is boasting about.People are also wondering if one of the engines in the ‘double engine’ is ‘foreign.’”
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump continued his back to back attacks on India, despite the friendly rapport with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and their recent meeting at the White House. For the fourth straight day, Trump claimed that the US agency USAID gave India $21 million to boost voter turnout.
In his latest remarks, Trump directly mentioned PM Modi, saying, “And $21 million going to my friend Prime Minister Modi in India for voter turnout. We’re giving 21 million for voter turnout in India. What about us? I want voter turnout too.”
Reacting to these allegations, the ministry of external affairs expressed concern, mentioning the US administration’s disclosures about specific activities and funding.
The MEA described the matter as “deeply troubling” and confirmed that relevant departments and agencies are examining the potential implications.
Trump’s comments also sparked reactions from opposition. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera criticised PM Modi’s silence on several US decisions, including Trump’s announcement of reciprocal tariffs and his statement about ending BRICS. Khera questioned, “He was not invited to President Donald Trump’s swearing-in ceremony, but he went there anyway. US President Donald Trump said he would impose reciprocal tariffs, but PM Modi was just smiling… PM Modi came from the US after hearing Trump’s threat… US President Donald Trump said that he would end Brics, but he (PM Modi) was still smiling.”
Khera also brought up the issue surrounding the F-35 fighter jets, saying, “America’s Adani, Elon Musk called F-35 fighter jets junk. The same is being imposed on India, and he (PM Modi) was just smiling… This happened in the US, and they are telling us that we took money from US aid to destabilise them.”
