'False...malicious': Ex-CEC Quraishi denies US funding claim for voter turnout
What's the story
Former Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, SY Quraishi, has rejected claims that the USAID financed efforts to boost voter turnout in India. The denial comes after the Department Of Government Efficiency (DOGE), headed by Elon Musk, announced it was scrapping a $21 million grant meant for the same. Quraishi termed these reports as "completely false and malicious."
MoU clarification
Quraishi clarifies MoU details amid funding controversy
Quraishi, who was the CEC from July 30, 2010, to June 10, 2012, clarified that an agreement was signed with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) during his tenure. However, he stressed that this Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was only for enabling training at India's Election Commission training center and did not include any financial commitments. "There was no financing or even promise of finance involved in MoU," Quraishi stated.
Political reaction
BJP questions implications of alleged external interference
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) hit back at DOGE's announcement, questioning the implications of such foreign interference in India's elections. Amit Malviya, head of BJP IT Cell, raised concerns over who benefits from this alleged interference, adding it is "not the ruling party for sure." Sanjeev Sanyal, an advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also slammed USAID as a "biggest scam" and asked why they are spending money on voter turnout in India.
Funding debate
DOGE's announcement sparks debate on foreign influence
The row over the purported US funding has sparked discussions on foreign interference in India's elections and the openness of global partnerships. The DOGE had released a list of canceled expenses amounting to $486 million, which included several international election-related activities. The project in India was one of several across the world funded by the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS). The organization is funded by USAID.