USAID's $21M 'Voter Turnout in India' Fund Stirs Political Clash

Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels USAID funding as BJP alleges foreign interference and Congress counters claims.

The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, announced the cancellation of $21 million in USAID funds reportedly allocated to increase voter turnout in India.
BJP leaders criticized the funding as external interference in India's electoral process, questioning its beneficiaries and potential impact on national sovereignty.
Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi rejected the claims, clarifying that a 2012 MoU with IFES involved no financial transactions or obligations.
Prime Minister Modi's advisor, Sanjeev Sanyal, labeled USAID as the 'biggest scam in human history,' questioning past disbursements and their influence on policy and elections.
The Congress party countered BJP's accusations, pointing out that the alleged funding occurred during its tenure, suggesting the claims lack logical consistency.