Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the new US government, has cancelled a $21 million US taxpayer-funded grant, initiated by former President Joe Biden’s administration to influence “voter turnout in India.”
In its announcement, DOGE stated the $21 million was part of a larger $486 million budget allocated to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening.”
Another $29 million was slated for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh” – a country that witnessed political turmoil amid allegations of US ‘deep state’ involvement in the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Several other funding for countries from Asia and Africa have also faced similar fate.
The sweeping cancellations were part of efforts to improve government efficiency and ensure taxpayer dollars were not being spent on “questionable” overseas political activities, DOGE stated.
BJP responds
India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has termed the now-cancelled funding as “external interference” in India’s electoral process.
“$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!” said BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya in a statement.
Malviya further alleged “systematic infiltration” of Indian institutions by foreign forces, particularly targeting billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros and his alleged network of global influence through his Open Society Foundation.
“Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process,” Malviya claimed.
