Veena Reddy, the former head of USAID’s India operations, is facing scrutiny over allegations that $21 million was allocated to increase voter participation in India’s elections. The controversy escalated after BJP MP Mahesh Jethmalani demanded an investigation into her role, with former US President Donald Trump also weighing in. Trump suggested that USAID might have attempted to sway election outcomes, stating, “I guess they were trying to get someone else elected.”
Reddy, originally from Andhra Pradesh, took charge of USAID’s India mission on August 5, 2021, and left in July 2024, a month after the Lok Sabha election results. During her tenure, USAID’s financial support to Indian projects surged, reaching $228 million in 2022, the highest level since 2001. While a significant portion was allocated to healthcare, environmental protection, and energy initiatives, the controversy surrounds a $21 million fund linked to voter engagement programs.
Before her tenure in India, Reddy held key roles within USAID, serving in Cambodia, Pakistan, and Central America. A Columbia Law graduate, she previously worked as a corporate attorney across New York, London, and Los Angeles. Her leadership at USAID India included overseeing partnerships with major Indian government entities such as the Ministry of Health, NITI Aayog, and the Indian Railways.
During her nearly three-year tenure, she played a crucial role in projects related to digital payments, education, and disaster risk reduction. She represented USAID at several high-profile events, including the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction Working Group and the World Toilet Day program in 2023, where she collaborated with India’s Urban Housing Ministry.
As scrutiny intensifies, calls for an investigation into the $21 million voter engagement allocation continue to grow. The debate raises broader concerns about foreign funding and its potential influence on India’s democratic process.
