Political Storm Erupts Over USAID’s $21 Million Voter Turnout Fund in India
In a shocking revelation that has sent ripples through the political landscape, the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, has disclosed that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) allocated a staggering $21 million for “voter turnout” operations in India. This announcement has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with calls for investigations into potential electoral manipulation.
Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha member Mahesh Jethmalani has emerged as a vocal critic, demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged involvement of Veena Reddy, the former head of USAID’s India mission, and U.S. Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti. Jethmalani has raised serious concerns that this funding could be a “euphemism” for influencing voters and facilitating regime change in India.
The Controversy Unfolds
The controversy took a dramatic turn when DOGE claimed to have canceled the $21 million funds, further fueling speculation about the intentions behind the allocation. Jethmalani pointed out that Reddy, who was appointed to her position in 2021, returned to the U.S. shortly after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, raising eyebrows about the timing of her departure and the completion of her “voter turnout mission.”
In a tweet that has since gone viral, Jethmalani expressed his concerns, stating, “So #DOGE has discovered that #USAID allocated $21 million for ‘voter turnout’ in India, a euphemism for paying voters to cast their votes to effect regime change.” He emphasized the need for Indian investigative agencies to probe the matter further, questioning who received the funds and how they were used.
Diplomatic Immunity and Accountability
Another layer of complexity has been added to the situation with the involvement of Ambassador Garcetti. Jethmalani has suggested that if questioned about the voter turnout strategy, Garcetti might invoke diplomatic immunity, potentially shielding him from accountability. This raises significant questions about the transparency of foreign aid and its implications for India’s democratic processes.
Jethmalani’s call for action is clear: he urges Indian authorities to seize USAID’s accounts in India and trace the disbursement of the $21 million. He insists that uncovering any individuals or organizations complicit in using these funds to undermine India’s democracy is crucial. “They should then be visited with the full force of the law dealing with subverting the Indian State – in common parlance TREASON,” he stated emphatically.
Backlash and Broader Implications
The allegations have not only sparked outrage but have also drawn sharp criticism from key figures within the Indian government. Sanjeev Sanyal, a prominent adviser to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has labeled USAID as the “biggest scam in human history,” echoing the sentiments of many who view foreign intervention in domestic politics with skepticism.
As the political storm continues to brew, the implications of this controversy extend beyond mere funding. It raises fundamental questions about the integrity of electoral processes, the role of foreign agencies in domestic affairs, and the sovereignty of nations in the face of external influences.
Conclusion
As investigations loom and public discourse heats up, the situation remains fluid. The revelations surrounding USAID’s funding for voter turnout operations in India have opened a Pandora’s box of concerns about electoral integrity and foreign influence. With calls for accountability growing louder, all eyes will be on how Indian authorities respond to these serious allegations and whether they can ensure the sanctity of the democratic process in the face of external pressures.
