BJP Criticizes Cancellation of US Fund Intended to Influence Indian Elections; Accuses Congress of Benefiting
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Synopsis
BJP spokesperson Amit Malviya condemned a canceled US fund aimed at influencing voter turnout in India, branding it an act of foreign interference. He hinted at an Opposition plot benefiting from this funding, especially targeting George Soros and the Congress party.
Key Takeaways
- BJP criticizes US fund aimed at Indian elections.
- Malviya labels the fund as foreign interference.
- Accusations against Congress and George Soros.
- Calls for investigation into funding channels.
- Concerns over electoral integrity raised in Lok Sabha.
New Delhi, Feb 16 (NationPress) BJP national spokesperson Amit Malviya on Sunday criticized the now-abandoned fund by the former Joe Biden administration, which aimed to influence voter turnout in India, labeling it a mechanism of foreign interference in the nation's democratic framework.
Implying a conspiracy among the Opposition to leverage American funds for meddling in Indian elections, Malviya stated, "$21M for voter turnout? This is clearly external interference in India's electoral framework. Who benefits from this? Certainly not the ruling party!"
Malviya’s remarks came in the wake of a decision by the United States Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), under the leadership of Elon Musk, to annul a $21 million US taxpayer-funded grant—originally set up during former President Joe Biden's term—to sway voter turnout in India.
He further accused foreign entities of undertaking a systematic infiltration of Indian institutions, specifically targeting billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros and his alleged network of global influence through the Open Society Foundation (OSF).
"Once again, it is George Soros, a known ally of the Congress party and the Gandhi family, whose influence looms over our electoral process," Malviya asserted.
Earlier this week, there were intense debates in Lok Sabha when the BJP raised concerns regarding the Donald Trump administration’s actions against USAID, calling for an investigation into Indian organizations that received funding from it.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey directed his criticism towards the Congress and the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, which is alleged to have ties with Soros’ Foundation, suspected of channeling USAID funding into India to “disrupt the nation”.
Dubey also demanded an inquiry into whether OSF financially supported the Congress and Rajiv Gandhi Foundation’s initiatives aimed at inciting unrest for a caste census and launching a smear campaign against the Narendra Modi government’s Agnipath scheme for military recruitment.
These topics have been repeatedly highlighted by the Congress ahead of pivotal elections, aiming to stoke voter anger and convert it into political advantages.
