New Delhi |
A big controversy has erupted over claims that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) had allocated $21 million to boost voter turnout in India. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a U.S. agency led by Elon Musk—recently canceled the funding, calling it an unnecessary expense.
This has sparked a heated debate in India, with many questioning who in India got this money and how it was being used.
How Did This Start?
DOGE was set up to review and cut down U.S. government spending on international projects, especially those approved during Joe Biden’s administration. In its latest review, DOGE canceled multiple USAID grants, including:
- $21 million for voter turnout programs in India
- $29 million for political projects in Bangladesh
- $20 million for financial reforms in Nepal
The cancellation of these funds has raised many questions about foreign involvement in India’s elections.
India Demands Answers
Sanjeev Sanyal, a top adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, called USAID “the biggest scam in history.” He demanded that the government investigate who received this money and why.
“I want to know who got the $21 million meant for ‘voter turnout’ in India and the $29 million given for ‘political strengthening’ in Bangladesh. We need clear answers,” Sanyal said.
The ruling BJP also raised concerns over foreign influence in India’s democracy. Party spokesperson Amit Malviya hinted at billionaire George Soros, saying “global forces” were trying to control India’s elections.
Election Commission Denies the Claims – Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi, who led the poll body from 2010-2012, dismissed the reports as “completely false.”
“There is no truth in this claim. No U.S. agency has ever funded voter turnout in India,” he clarified.
He explained that India had an agreement with an international election body in 2012 for research and training, but no funding was ever involved.
What’s Happening with USAID?
USAID has been under investigation since DOGE, under Donald Trump’s administration, started checking its finances. Reports suggest USAID has been spending money on controversial global projects, leading to multiple funding cuts.
Recently, DOGE has:
- Fired many USAID employees
- Blocked several grants under review
- Investigated reports that USAID funded political groups in different countries
While the U.S. is dealing with its financial issues, this controversy has raised serious concerns for India.
- Who in India took this money?
- Was it used for elections?
- Why was it not made public earlier?
With elections around the corner, the debate on foreign funding in India’s democracy is getting louder. The government and opposition need to answer some tough questions.
