**Title:** USAID Denies Funding for Voter Turnout in India
**Meta Description:** The Indian government clarifies that USAID did not provide funds to boost voter turnout, responding to queries from CPI(M) MP John Brittas.
**URL Slug:** usaid-voter-turnout-india
**Headline:** Indian Government Clarifies USAID’s Role in Voter Turnout Funding
The Indian government addressed concerns raised by CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas regarding the alleged involvement of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in funding initiatives to increase voter turnout in India. In a response issued on Thursday, the government stated that USAID did not allocate any funds for this purpose.
Brittas had submitted an “unstarred question” in the Rajya Sabha on March 13, inquiring about the government’s actions in response to reports suggesting that USAID funds were being utilized to enhance voter turnout in Indian elections. He also requested details about any funds received over the past three years and the government’s actions regarding them.
In its detailed reply, the government referenced a statement from the US Embassy in New Delhi, which clarified that USAID/India “did not receive or provide funding of $21 million for voter turnout in India.” The embassy provided data covering USAID funding in India from 2014 to 2024, detailing implementing partners, objectives, and key accomplishments of various activities.
Additionally, the government noted that the US government announced the cancellation of $486 million in USAID funding for the Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening (CEPPS) projects globally, including those in India. This clarification comes in the wake of a significant controversy that erupted in February when the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced cuts to a $21 million program aimed at increasing voter turnout in India, leading to political backlash and demands for clarification from opposition parties.
The government also highlighted that under President Donald Trump, foreign assistance funded by USAID was paused for 90 days starting January 20, 2025, and that the Trump administration had significantly reduced USAID programs shortly thereafter.
The controversy surrounding the alleged USAID funding has sparked a war of words between the BJP and Congress, with both parties leveraging the situation to criticize each other. BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya suggested that the funding represented external interference in India’s electoral process, while Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the BJP of seeking external assistance to undermine Congress governments.
In response to the ongoing debate, former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi refuted claims that the US provided funding to boost voter turnout, emphasizing the need for accurate information in discussions about electoral integrity.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: Did USAID provide funding to increase voter turnout in India?**
A: No, the Indian government clarified that USAID did not allocate any funds for voter turnout initiatives in India.
