New Delhi- Congress leader Pawan Khera has firmly denied BSP chief Mayawati's allegation that Congress serves as a "B-team" of the BJP.

Speaking to the media, Khera defended his party's position: "We were in power here for 15 years, much longer than the BJP, which ruled for only five years. It is our duty to reclaim our lost ground. Calling us the B-Team is completely wrong."

The response comes after Mayawati posted a series of statements on social media platform X earlier today, suggesting Congress acted as the BJP's "B-team" during Delhi's recent Assembly elections, thereby facilitating the BJP's rise to power. She also advised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to engage in self-reflection before criticizing others.

Khera also addressed former US President Donald Trump's recent claims about a USAID grant of $21 million allegedly directed toward "voter turnout" in India. The Congress leader referenced a newspaper report indicating the funds were actually allocated for Bangladesh in 2022, not India.

"Now the truth behind this claim has been exposed," Khera stated. "The Indian Express today revealed that the money was actually sent to Bangladesh."

Questioning the Modi administration's awareness, Khera asked: "If we assume, for a moment, that America was trying to destabilise the Indian government, then where was PM Modi then, sleeping? Where was his intelligence? Where was Ajit Doval?"

The Congress spokesperson drew a historical contrast, comparing the current situation with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's stance during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: "There was a time when Indira Gandhi stood up to America during the Bangladesh War of 1971. And today, our Prime Minister doesn't even realize that America has allegedly spent $21 million to interfere in a neighbouring country's democracy."