“Who Are These Powers?” BJP Accuses Congress Over US Funding to Boost India’s Voter Turnout

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has ignited a political debate by accusing the Congress party of ties to foreign influences in India’s electoral process. This controversy erupted after it was revealed that the United States, via its USAID agency, had allocated $21 million in 2012 to enhance voter turnout in India, a program now cancelled by the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi lambasted the Congress during a press conference, questioning the recipients of these funds and their motives. “Who are these powers that seem to be getting economic grants for influencing and creating trouble in the election process in India?” Trivedi asked, pointing to an alleged link between the funding and political manipulation.

Trivedi highlighted an agreement signed in 2011 between The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and the India International Institute of Election Management, associated with the Election Commission of India. He claimed that this organization is part of a larger consortium with connections to George Soros’s Open Society Foundation, which has been accused of investing in India to influence political outcomes.

The BJP has been vocal about what they describe as “external interference” in India’s elections, with BJP’s Amit Malviya stating on social media that this funding was a clear sign of foreign meddling. The party’s narrative suggests that such funds benefit opposition parties, not the ruling BJP. Malviya also accused former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi of facilitating foreign control over the Election Commission.

In response to these allegations, Quraishi, who was Chief Election Commissioner from 2010 to 2012, refuted any financial implications of the MoU, calling the claims baseless and clarifying that no funds were actually received for voter turnout initiatives under his tenure.

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This incident reflects broader tensions around foreign influence in domestic politics, especially in countries with significant geopolitical stakes like India. The cancellation of these programs by DOGE, under Elon Musk’s leadership, indicates a shift in U.S. policy towards more scrutiny over international aid.

As this debate unfolds, it’s essential for voters and observers alike to sift through the politics and understand the implications for India’s democratic integrity. The story of foreign funding in elections is far from over, and its resolution could set a precedent for how such matters are handled in the future.