New Delhi: India has raised concerns over a $21 million fund provided by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) in 2012 for "voter turnout in India." The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the funding "raises worries of interference in Indian internal matters," adding that relevant agencies are currently investigating the issue.
Political Controversy Over USAID’s India Fund
The issue gained traction after a heated exchange between India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Indian National Congress (INC). Both parties have condemned the grant as "external interference" in India's democratic process. However, BJP has accused the Congress-led UPA government (2004-2014) of allowing foreign influence into Indian institutions.
Congress, in turn, has pushed back, stating that if any interference occurred, it was during its own tenure, questioning how it could have benefited the opposition in the 2014 general elections.
How the USAID Funding Came to Light
The controversy erupted after Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)—a US-based agency tasked with auditing federal expenditures—disclosed the USAID funding in a recent report. DOGE identified $486 million allocated to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening, including:
- $21 million for voter turnout in India
- $22 million for an "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova
- $29 million for "strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh"
The revelation has prompted a fresh debate in both India and the US over the nature and intent of such funding.
BJP vs Congress: The Political Blame Game
Congress' Response:
Congress leader Pawan Khera hit back at BJP’s Amit Malviya, who accused the opposition of benefiting from foreign funding. Khera pointed out that the Congress-led UPA was in power when the grant was made and questioned why Congress would undermine its own electoral prospects.
BJP’s Stand:
BJP leader Nalin Kohli asked, "Why would any US agency wish to give $21 million for election-related work in India? Would that not amount to interference in India's electoral process?"
Further, BJP's Pradeep Bhandari alleged that the majority of USAID funding went to NGOs linked to Rahul Gandhi and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.
"When Donald Trump revealed that this funding was meant to ensure someone other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi got elected, it was evident that the plan was to push Rahul Gandhi into power," Bhandari said.
Congress has yet to respond to these allegations.
Former Chief Election Commissioner Denies Funding Claims
Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi, who served from 2010 to 2012, dismissed BJP's claims, clarifying that there was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), an arrangement similar to those still in place.
"Any mention of funds in connection with this MoU is completely false and malicious," Quraishi stated.
Donald Trump Calls Out USAID’s India Funding
Former US President Donald Trump, who established the DOGE office, questioned the Biden administration’s decision to allocate funds for elections in India.
"Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? I guess they were trying to get somebody else elected," Trump said, emphasizing his administration’s focus on cutting foreign aid spending.
Trump also highlighted that in just one month, DOGE has identified over $55 billion in wasteful government spending and vowed to further trim unnecessary expenditures.
Bangladesh’s Political Upheaval & Foreign Interference Concerns
The DOGE report also revealed that USAID sanctioned $29 million for Bangladesh before the political shift that led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ousting and the rise of Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
Hasina has accused foreign powers of orchestrating a movement against her government, forcing her to leave the country.
Conclusion: A Growing Debate on Foreign Influence in Elections
With growing scrutiny over USAID’s role in global electoral processes, the Indian government remains firm in investigating the matter. While both BJP and Congress continue to trade barbs over who may have benefited, the issue underscores broader concerns about foreign involvement in domestic democratic institutions.
The controversy is expected to intensify as India's political landscape heats up ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
