Cancellation of DOGE Grant Raises Concerns of External Interference in Indian Elections
The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) canceled a $21 million grant for voter turnout in India, prompting BJP leaders to allege external interference in elections. The decision, linked to a broader trend under President Trump’s administration, sparked criticism from BJP officials, raising concerns about foreign influence on Indian democracy. Former ECI chief S.Y. Quraishi defended the MoU with IFES, indicating no financial commitments were made.
On Sunday, the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the cancellation of a $21 million grant to the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) aimed at enhancing voter turnout in India. This decision has sparked criticism from members of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), particularly Amit Malviya and Rajeev Chandrasekhar, who accused the Opposition Congress party of facilitating “external interference” in India’s electoral processes.
In a statement on X, DOGE, led by Elon Musk, clarified that U.S. taxpayer dollars initially allocated for several projects, including $21 million for voter turnout in India, would no longer be available. Despite the announcement, details regarding the Indian agency involved or the purpose of the grant remain unclear, as both CEPPS and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) websites are currently inaccessible.
This recent action follows a broader trend initiated by President Donald Trump, who reallocated funds previously designated by earlier administrations. Amit Malviya, a prominent BJP official, took to social media to express concerns over the implications of such funding, implying that it could lead to undue influence on India’s electoral integrity.
Chandrasekhar further emphasized the risks associated with outside funding, stating that it undermines democratic processes. He remarked on what he perceives as a direct attempt to erode democratic norms, and he called for a comprehensive investigation into the origins and usage of the funds tied to USAID.
The CEPPS, founded in 1995, collaborates with various organizations to support global democratic transitions. According to the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), which partners with CEPPS, their goal is to foster resilient democracies. The partnership underscores a commitment to international cooperation rather than interference.
Malviya pointed to a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in 2012 between the Election Commission of India (ECI) and IFES as evidence of external influence. However, former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi responded by clarifying that the MoU contained no financial obligations and was purely aimed at capacity building without monetary commitments from either party.
The Election Commission of India has not issued a public response to inquiries about the matter, which remains a contentious topic. This issue not only touches upon domestic governance but also highlights the complexities of international cooperation in electoral management, with important implications for future electoral integrity.
The cancellation of the $21 million grant by DOGE has raised significant concerns regarding external interference in India’s electoral processes, inciting a political backlash from BJP leaders. The implications of this grant and past ties with organizations like CEPPS reflect ongoing debates about the influence of foreign funding on local democracies. Clarity regarding the nature and intent of these international partnerships is essential to maintain trust in India’s electoral integrity.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
