Elon Musk’s DOGE Cancels $21 Million Grant for ‘Voter Turnout’ in India Amid Criticism

New Delhi: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, has cancelled a $21 million grant funded by US taxpayers, initially approved by the Biden administration. The grant was part of an effort to influence “voter turnout in India” and was linked to a larger $486 million budget allocated to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening.”

DOGE also cancelled a $29 million fund designated for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh,” a nation that has experienced political turmoil and accusations of US involvement in the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

These cancellations were part of DOGE’s broader efforts to improve government efficiency and prevent US taxpayer dollars from being used for “questionable” overseas political activities.

Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has condemned the cancelled funding, calling it “external interference” in India’s electoral process. BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya questioned who would benefit from such funding, asserting that the ruling party would not gain from it.

Malviya further accused foreign forces, particularly billionaire George Soros, of attempting to infiltrate Indian institutions. “Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process,” Malviya claimed.

The controversy highlights ongoing concerns over foreign influence in Indian politics and the use of international funds for domestic electoral activities.