DOGE Cancels $21 Million Grant, BJP Alleges Foreign Interference in Elections
Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels a $21 million grant for voter turnout in India, inciting BJP officials to claim external interference in elections. The grant aimed to support voter participation through CEPPS, but its cancellation has prompted concerns and the need for scrutiny regarding foreign influence on Indian democracy. Quraishi defends the MoU with CEPPS, clarifying no financial commitments were included.
The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, has cancelled a $21 million grant intended for the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) to support voter turnout in India. This cancellation has drawn scrutiny from Indian lawmakers, specifically BJP officials Amit Malviya and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who claim it indicates external interference in India’s electoral processes.
In a statement posted on X, DOGE detailed the withdrawal of several grants, including $22 million for political processes in Moldova and the cited $21 million for India. They did not disclose the specific Indian entities that were to receive this funding. As controversies surrounding the funding unfolded, the CEPPS website and the USAID site were also inaccessible.
BJP leaders voiced their concerns on social media, with Malviya questioning the implications of such funding, suggesting it benefits the opposition rather than the ruling party. Chandrasekhar emphasized the need for scrutiny of external influences in democratic systems, asserting that this situation highlights underlying issues related to democracy and governance in India.
The International Foundation for Electoral Systems’ website states that CEPPS is a nonprofit consortium composed of three major international organizations aimed at supporting democratic elections and political transitions globally. Established in 1995 and funded by USAID, they work collaboratively to enhance democratic practices around the world.
On May 17, 2012, CEPPS signed a memorandum of understanding with the Election Commission of India to promote knowledge sharing regarding election management. This cooperation, according to critics, has implications that the Congress party is allegedly allowing foreign entities to interfere with the election process.
Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi responded defensively, asserting that the MoU, which involved no promises of financing, was indeed meant for training and mutual assistance, not funding. He emphasized the absence of any conditional financial obligations within the agreement, countering allegations of foreign control over the Commission.
The cancellation of the $21 million grant by DOGE raises significant concerns regarding foreign influences on India’s electoral integrity. BJP leaders assert that this move indicates an attempt to interfere in domestic politics, while the originally intended recipients of the grant, such as CEPPS, defend their role in supporting democratic processes globally. The ongoing debate reflects broader tensions surrounding external funding and its implications for India’s democratic framework.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
