Following the cancellation of a USD 21 million fund earmarked for a ‘Voter Turnout in India’ initiative by the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), the BJP has raised concerns of foreign interference in India’s electoral process.
BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli questioned why a US agency would allocate such a significant amount for election-related activities in India. “Wouldn’t this amount to interference in our electoral process? India is the world’s largest democracy, and we conduct free and fair elections. We have institutions like the Election Commission of India that ensure the integrity of the electoral process,” Kohli said.
He further pointed to previous instances where the Congress party allegedly sought external influence, such as their engagement with Cambridge Analytica. Kohli added, “There have been efforts by some parties to influence our elections in the past. If any entity has received funds under this initiative, it should be disclosed. Stopping this funding serves to protect the independence of India’s democratic process.”
BJP MP and Senior Supreme Court Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani suggested that Indian authorities should investigate the funds allocated by USAID and seize any related accounts in India. He stated, “Our agencies must ensure that the integrity and sovereignty of India are safeguarded. They should trace the $21 million earmarked for the voter turnout project and uncover those who might be undermining India’s democracy.”
Economist and member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, Sanjeev Sanyal, also criticized USAID, calling it “the biggest scam in human history.” On social media, he questioned who benefited from the funds allocated for voter turnout in India and similar initiatives in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S.Y. Quraishi addressed claims regarding an MoU signed in 2012 between the Election Commission of India and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). Quraishi clarified that the MoU, which was for training purposes and not financial support, did not involve any funds. He emphasized that the MoU explicitly stated that there would be no financial or legal obligations.
On February 16, DOGE published a list of cancelled US taxpayer-funded programs, including the USD 21 million allocated for the “voter turnout in India” project. The BJP’s Amit Malviya seized on the issue, calling it “external interference” and questioning the motives behind such a significant fund for electoral activities. He also accused the Congress-led UPA of enabling foreign influences in India’s institutions, referring to George Soros and his links to organizations like the Open Society Foundation, which has ties to USAID.
Malviya posted, “This is interference in India’s electoral process. The Congress-led UPA’s actions have enabled forces opposed to India’s interests to infiltrate our institutions.”
Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported that DOGE is seeking access to a highly protected IRS system to obtain detailed financial data on taxpayers, businesses, and nonprofits across the US.
