New York, March 20: US President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign and a Democratic Party outfit are halting donations totaling approximately $340,000 from an Indian American businessman amid controversies, according to local media reports.
Quoting a Biden campaign official, Politico stated that the Biden Victory Fund (BVF) is suspending Gaurav Srivastava’s $50,000 donation due to concerns regarding the “legality and source” of the funds.
Similarly, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is holding back nearly $290,000 in donations from an individual identified as Gaurav Srivastava out of an abundance of caution, as reported by Politico.
The Los Angeles-based businessman, known for running the Gaurav and Sharon Srivastava Family Foundation, has been embroiled in controversies. Politico previously reported that the Atlantic Council severed ties with Srivastava after receiving almost $1 million from him and his wife for a world food security forum in Bali in 2022.
Under US election laws, direct contributions to a candidate are limited to $3,300 per individual, although there are avenues for donating more to campaign committees that meet specific legal requirements.
The BVF distributes its contributions between the direct Biden campaign, the Democratic National Committee, and state party units, while the DCCC focuses on electing party members to the House of Representatives.
Both donations attributed to Srivastava were made last year. Additionally, several senators and representatives reportedly received contributions from the Gaurav Srivastava Family Foundation, according to Politico.
Srivastava’s personal website identifies him as a philanthropist, while the foundation website highlights the couple’s dedication to securing food and energy access for families worldwide.
Regarding the donations, Srivastava identified himself as an “urban designer” with AECOM in the BVF donation and as the chairman of Unity Resource Group (URG) in the DCCC donation.
Unity Resource Group, as described on its website, offers various services including personal and event security operations and limousine services.
Srivastava seems to have established influential connections, with photographs showing him alongside Joe Biden and reports indicating ties to individuals such as Ankit Desai and Wesley Clark.
While allegations have been made against Srivastava, both he and his representatives have denied them. Politico’s attempts to contact Srivastava were unsuccessful, but his lawyer refuted the allegations made against him.
