NEW DELHI: Elon Musk, leading the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), announced the cancellation of over Rs 63.75 thousand Cr. in international aid projects, including a contentious Rs 180 Cr. program aimed at increasing voter turnout in India’s 2024 Lok Sabha elections. This move has ignited debates over potential foreign interference in India’s democratic processes.
US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled:
– $10M for “Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision”
– $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop “a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills”
– $2.3M for “strengthening…— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025
Allegations of External Interference
Rs 180 Cr. allocation, managed by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), was intended to boost voter participation in India. Critics argue that such funding constitutes external meddling in India’s internal affairs.
– $486M to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” including $22M for “inclusive and participatory political process” in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India.
$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral… https://t.co/DsTJhh9J2J
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 15, 2025
BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya stated, “This definitely is external interference in India’s electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!”
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The Editor-in-Chief of The New Indian, Aarti Tikoo, has raised serious concerns regarding foreign interference in India’s electoral process.
Explosive! USAID spent $21 million on an intelligence operation to influence voter turnout in India!
Is this what President Donald Trump meant when, in response to my question about USAID’s election manipulation during the 2024 Indian parliamentary elections, he acknowledged… https://t.co/xlNzxldzqB— Aarti Tikoo Singh (@AartiTikoo) February 15, 2025
In a tweet, she highlights that USAID spent $21 million on an intelligence operation aimed at influencing voter turnout in India. She further questioned whether this aligns with President Donald Trump’s remarks when he acknowledged that “bad things happened” in response to her query about USAID’s alleged election manipulation during the 2024 Indian parliamentary elections. The revelation has sparked intense debate about the role of U.S. agencies in foreign democratic processes.
Shocking
USAID spent 21 Million US Dollars to improve voter turnout in India 🤔
Which party,journalists and religious heads got that money ? @elonmusk Plz declassify the names 🙏 pic.twitter.com/JNaSjs91br— Major Surendra Poonia (@MajorPoonia) February 16, 2025
Several people are demanding declassification of the details.
Musk’s Disclosure
Elon Musk, appointed by President Donald Trump to lead DOGE, has been actively scrutinizing federal expenditures, particularly those involving international aid. Musk’s team uncovered the Rs 180 Cr. million USAID program directed at India’s elections, leading to its cancellation. This action is part of a broader initiative to eliminate what Musk describes as “wasteful and ideologically driven” spending.
2024 Lok Sabha Election Results
The 2024 Indian general election resulted in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) securing 240 seats, a decrease from their previous tally of 303 seats in 2019. The Indian National Congress (INC) saw a resurgence, increasing its count to 99 seats. Regional parties also made significant gains:
- Samajwadi Party (SP): Improved its performance in Uttar Pradesh, contributing to the INDIA alliance’s overall tally.
- Trinamool Congress (TMC): Dominated West Bengal by winning 22 out of 42 seats and leading in seven others.
These shifts indicate a more fragmented Lok Sabha, with regional parties playing pivotal roles in the formation of the government.
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Implications and Reactions
The cancellation of the Rs 180 Cr. program has sparked discussions about the ethical implications of foreign-funded initiatives in domestic electoral processes. Supporters of the move argue that it safeguards national sovereignty, while opponents contend that such programs aim to strengthen democratic participation.
Furthermore, Musk’s actions have led to the dismantling of USAID, with DOGE absorbing its functions. This restructuring reflects a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy priorities, focusing on domestic interests over international aid.
As the debate continues, the full extent of USAID’s involvement in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections remains a topic of scrutiny, with calls for transparency and accountability from both U.S. and Indian officials.
