Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency Cancels $21 Million Voter Turnout Funding for India

The Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has announced a major budget cut, slashing millions of dollars in funding previously allocated to various international programs. Among the most notable cuts is the $21 million initiative aimed at boosting voter turnout in India, alongside a $29 million program focused on strengthening Bangladesh’s political landscape.

BJP Alleges 'External Interference' in India’s Elections

The move has sparked a strong reaction from India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which criticized the decision and raised concerns over foreign influence in the country’s electoral process. The party questioned, “Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!” implying that the now-cancelled US funding may have been politically motivated.

Musk Defends Budget Cuts Amid US Economic Concerns

Elon Musk, who has been vocal about the need for aggressive spending cuts, defended the decision, emphasizing that America would face bankruptcy without such measures. The DOGE authorities confirmed that the funding was part of a broader budget overhaul under the Trump administration to reduce unnecessary expenditures.

India-US Relations and Unmentioned Policy Shifts

The announcement comes just days after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US President Donald Trump for high-level bilateral talks. While both leaders made significant commitments to strengthen India-US relations, the DOGE’s funding withdrawal was not mentioned in the official joint statement or press conference.

Geopolitical and Electoral Implications

The sudden budget cut raises questions about the role of US funding in foreign elections, with analysts debating whether such initiatives represent genuine democracy-building efforts or external influence. As India gears up for its upcoming elections, the withdrawal of US financial support for voter turnout programs is likely to remain a contentious issue in political discourse.