PM’s economic adviser Sanjeev Sanyal calls USAID the “biggest scam in history” after DOGE claims $21M was allocated for “voter turnout in India.” BJP flags foreign interference in elections.
PM’s Adviser Calls USAID “Biggest Scam” Over DOGE’s India Voter Funds Claim
The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire Elon Musk, has sparked controversy by claiming it canceled $21 million in US funds allegedly meant to influence voter turnout in India. The revelation has drawn sharp reactions from Indian officials, with Sanjeev Sanyal, an adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, calling the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) the “biggest scam in human history.”
What Did DOGE Reveal?
DOGE, which has been investigating US government spending on international projects, recently announced that it terminated funding allocated for several countries under the Biden administration, including:
- $21 million for “voter turnout in India”
- $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape” in Bangladesh
- $20 million for “fiscal federalism” in Nepal
USAID, the largest humanitarian arm of the US government, has been a primary focus of DOGE’s scrutiny as part of former US President Donald Trump’s efforts to curb federal spending.
BJP Flags “Foreign Interference” in Elections
The revelation has ignited a political storm in India, with the ruling BJP raising concerns about external meddling in the country’s democratic process. BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya alleged a systematic infiltration of Indian institutions by foreign forces, linking it to billionaire investor George Soros and his alleged global influence network.
Malviya further accused the previous Congress-led UPA government of enabling such foreign interventions, claiming that anti-India forces have attempted to weaken the nation at every step.
PM’s Adviser Demands Answers
Sanjeev Sanyal, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to PM Modi, questioned who in India had received the $21 million flagged by DOGE.
“I would love to find out who received the $21 million spent to improve voter turnout in India, the $29 million for strengthening Bangladesh’s political landscape, and the $20 million for Nepal’s fiscal federalism.” – Sanjeev Sanyal
He pointed out that while there was an MoU with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) in 2012 for training and technical support, it did not involve any direct funding or financial commitments.
Former Election Commissioner Dismisses Claims
While the allegations have raised concerns, a former Chief Election Commissioner called DOGE’s claims “baseless”, asserting that India’s electoral process remains independent and free from external influence.
The DOGE revelations have ignited a debate about foreign funding in India’s electoral process and potential interference in domestic politics. With the BJP demanding transparency on where these funds were allocated, the controversy is likely to intensify in the coming days.
Last Updated on: Monday, February 17, 2025 5:10 pm by Digital Herald Team | Published by: Digital Herald Team on Monday, February 17, 2025 5:10 pm | News Categories: News
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