Elon Musk’s DOGE Cancels $21M Grant for Voter Turnout in India; BJP Labels It ‘External Interference’

Elon Musk’s DOGE Cancels $21M Grant for Voter Turnout in India: The US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk has announced cancelling a USD 22 million funding intended for "voter turnout in India" on Saturday.

In a post on X, the official DOGE handle listed the number of spendings by the US taxpayer that have been cancelled, including "USD 21M for voter turnout in India."

"US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled," the Musk led department announced.

Also Read: Kartik Aaryan & Sreeleela Star in Anurag Basu’s Romantic Musical – Release Date Out!

BJP reacts to DOGE's step: BJP's Amit Malviya took to his X to react to the announcement. "$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India's electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!" his post read.

Other funding cancelled by the US department included, $10 million for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision."

US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled:
- $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision"
- $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills"
- $2.3M for "strengthening…

— Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025

"$486M to the 'Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,' including $22M for an 'inclusive and participatory political process' in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India," DOGE said.

A $29 million intended for "strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh" and $39 million for "fiscal federalism" and "biodiversity conservation" in Nepal was also cancelled.

Similarly, $1.5 million for "voter confidence" in Liberia, $14 million for "social cohesion" in Mali, $2.5 million for "inclusive democracies in Southern Africa," and $47 million for "improving learning outcomes in Asia" were also cancelled by DOGE.

Also Read: Husky Becomes Hotel Porter in China, Helps Homestay Earn ₹23 Lakh in 3 Days!

PM Modi and Elon Musk also spoke about opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance. Musk, who heads the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), was accompanied by three of his children.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, "The Prime Minister and Mr. Musk discussed strengthening collaboration between Indian and US entities in innovation, space exploration, artificial intelligence, and sustainable development. Their discussion also touched on opportunities to deepen cooperation in emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and good governance."

During the meeting with Musk, PM Modi spoke about India's efforts toward reform and furthering 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance.' PM Modi took to X to share details regarding his meeting with Musk. (ANI)

Also Read: RRB Min & Iso Recruitment 2025: Last Date Tomorrow to Apply for 1036 Posts – Apply Now!