Report: Biden’s campaign and Democratic Party freeze $340K donation from Indian American businessman
US President Joe Biden’s campaign and the Democratic Party are halting donations from Indian American businessman Gaurav Srivastava totaling $340,000 due to concerns over legality and funding sources. The Los Angeles-based businessman, involved in controversies, had made significant contributions to political campaigns last year. The Biden Victory Fund and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee have taken cautionary measures in light of the controversies surrounding Srivastava.
Srivastava, who runs a charitable organization with his wife, faced scrutiny after a think tank cut ties with him amid reports of questionable funding sources. Despite claiming to be an urban designer and chairman of Unity Resource Group, discrepancies arose regarding his professional background and affiliations. The businessman’s connections to influential figures, including retired General Wesley Clark and a former Biden campaign manager, have sparked further investigation into his activities.
Allegations of Srivastava falsely claiming to be a Central Intelligence Agency operative have surfaced, prompting a detailed inquiry by online investigative outlets. While denying the accusations, his lawyer refutes the claims as baseless. Senators and representatives who received contributions from Srivastava have pledged to redirect the funds to charities, distancing themselves from the controversy. The businessman’s donation activities have raised questions about compliance with US election laws and transparency in political contributions.
The Biden Victory Fund and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s decision to freeze donations from Gaurav Srivastava underscores the need for stringent scrutiny of political funding sources. With ongoing investigations and revelations about the businessman’s alleged misrepresentations, questions surrounding the integrity of campaign contributions persist. The development highlights the complexities of political fundraising and the imperative for transparency in financial donations within the US electoral landscape.