DOGE Cancels $21 Million Voter Turnout Grant for India Amid Controversy

DOGE cancelled a $21 million grant intended for voter turnout in India, igniting accusations from the BJP regarding external interference in Indian elections. Prominent BJP leaders expressed concerns over the implications of foreign funding on democratic processes, urging investigations into financial influences on domestic protests. The situation highlights ongoing debates about international involvement in Indian democracy.

The DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) led by Elon Musk announced the cancellation of a $21 million grant intended for voter turnout initiatives in India. This move drew criticism from the BJP, specifically from Amit Malviya and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who accused the Opposition Congress of facilitating external interference in the electoral process. In their view, this funding aimed at enhancing voter turnout undermines India’s democracy.

In a statement on X, DOGE highlighted the allocation of the canceled grant funds, including not only the $21 million for India but also significant amounts assigned to Moldova. However, it did not disclose which Indian entity was set to receive the grant, and the associated websites, including USAID and CEPPS, were reported as unavailable.

This cancellation aligns with a broader trend under President Trump’s administration, where DOGE has been at the forefront of terminating grants established by prior administrations. In response to the DOGE announcement, Amit Malviya expressed concerns over potential external manipulation of India’s electoral framework.

Former Union Minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar voiced similar concerns, urging an investigation into foreign funding of domestic protests. He highlighted the significant implications this has for the integrity of democracies, emphasizing the need to trace the financial sources behind alleged external interference.

The Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) aims to foster democratic processes globally, according to its affiliation with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). The organization collaborates with other entities to develop inclusive and accountable democracies.

CEPPS has been funded by USAID for years, promoting electoral integrity and political transition. Malviya referenced a 2012 memorandum of understanding between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and IFES, criticizing the Congress for supposedly enabling foreign influence on electoral governance.

In counter to these claims, former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi disputed Malviya’s allegations, stating that the MoU did not involve any financial commitments. He asserted that the agreement was merely a platform for knowledge exchange, devoid of any financial obligations or external funding.

The Election Commission of India has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding the issue. Additionally, IFES CEO Anthony Banbury attended crucial democratic summits in India, further highlighting the organization’s active role in global electoral management discussions.

In summary, the cancellation of the $21 million grant by DOGE has sparked a heated debate regarding external involvement in India’s electoral integrity. BJP officials have voiced their apprehensions about the implications of foreign funding on India’s democracy. The response from former election officials underscores the complexity and nuance of international electoral assistance, while the call for investigations into funding sources reflects ongoing tensions in India’s political landscape.

Original Source: indianexpress.com