Political Covid threatens democracy: Dhankhar

After former US President Donald Trump claimed that USAID funding to India was part of a “kickback scheme” aimed at influencing elections, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday issued a stark warning, likening the alleged interference to a “political Covid” infiltrating Indian society to destroy its democracy.

Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the fifth Rajya Sabha Internship Programme, Dhankhar expressed alarm over Trump’s statements.

“The latest shocking expose comes from the President of the United States himself. He has openly stated that fiscal muscle was used, funds were pumped in to doctor and manipulate Indian election results. He went as far as to claim that someone else was being propped up for election. To elect is the sole right of Indians. Anyone attempting to manipulate this process undermines our democracy, our values and reduces us to subservience,” Dhankhar declared.

Calling for an investigation into external attempts to influence India’s democracy, Dhankhar warned of a “political Covid” spreading in Indian society, aimed at destabilising democratic institutions.

“The time has come to thoroughly investigate this malaise. This structured, pernicious strategy — where some benefited from external interference — must be fully exposed. Those involved must be shamed and held accountable.” Dhankhar also cautioned against deliberate efforts to tarnish Indian constitutional institutions.

“Our institutions are under attack, facing a structured taint — a facet of wokeism. Be it the President, Vice-President or Prime Minister, these are not political figures but constitutional authorities. Unfortunately, they are being ridiculed, shamed and undermined,” he said.

Expressing deep distress, the Vice-President stated, “My heart bleeds when our President — the first tribal woman to hold this high office — is ridiculed.”

In an appeal, Dhankhar invoked Chanakya’s teachings, urging India to identify and retaliate against those responsible for undermining democracy.

“I was stunned. The US President, with full responsibility, has revealed that India’s democratic process was deliberately manipulated. This is a brutal assault on our electoral purity. We must identify the culprits, expose them and retaliate against such forces. Only then can India rise to its envisioned greatness — a goal that is no longer a dream but a reality in the making.”

Dhankhar’s strong response adds to the escalating controversy over USAID funding, which has already sparked a political showdown between BJP and Congress. As the issue gains traction, the debate over foreign interference in Indian elections is likely to dominate political discourse in the coming days.