Synopsis
On February 22, the Directorate of Enforcement initiated an investigation into Indian entities linked to the now-cancelled USAID project aimed at influencing voter turnout with a funding of $21 million. This inquiry follows concerns raised by Indian authorities regarding foreign interference in elections.Key Takeaways
- ED begins probe into USAID's $21 million funding.
- NGOs and media under scrutiny for money laundering violations.
- Examination of foreign influence in Indian elections intensifies.
- Connections between Rahul Gandhi, Soros, and foreign entities questioned.
- US funding for voter turnout projects in India cancelled.
New Delhi, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Directorate of Enforcement, along with various security and financial agencies, has begun initial investigations to pinpoint Indian entities and individuals that acted as intermediaries for the now-cancelled USAID’s $21 million aimed at swaying voter turnout in the nation, according to official sources on Saturday.
NGOs, social activists, media organizations, and business firms are reportedly under scrutiny by the ED as it investigates potential violations of money laundering laws associated with this transnational conspiracy, sources indicated.
This preliminary inquiry by the ED follows statements from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which signaled that measures would be taken regarding information released by the US government about USAID’s interference in Indian elections.
“Relevant departments and agencies are currently examining this issue,” said Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal during a media briefing in New Delhi on Friday.
In the meantime, BJP social media chief Amit Malviya has expressed skepticism regarding internationally-funded events held in India, suggesting these could be a channel for the illicit USAID funds to enter the country.
He also referenced the Omidyar Network and George Soros’ Open Society Foundation—both integral parts of USAID’s Finance and Investment Network—as potential contributors to the broader scheme aimed at influencing elections in India.
Malviya further suggested that Indian security agencies have pointed to the alleged objectives of these two organizations in funding anti-government protests and unrest, similar to those seen in Sri Lanka and Bangladesh before regime changes.
“The Omidyar Network… sponsored an event in Chennai on August 12, 2024, and another in Delhi as recently as January 2025, even though Omidyar India’s website claims it ceased operations in India effective December 31, 2024,” Malviya stated in a post.
The BJP has also implicated Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in the controversy by highlighting his connection to American investor George Soros and US politician and critic of India Ilhan Omar.
BJP National Spokesman Gaurav Bhatia labeled Gandhi a “traitor” on Friday, accusing the Gandhi family of collaborating with foreign entities like Soros to displace Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned the Biden administration's intentions behind allocating $21 million through USAID to manipulate electoral outcomes in India.
“Why do we need to spend $21 million on voter turnout in India? It seems they were attempting to get someone else elected. We must inform the Indian Government... This is a total breakthrough,” Trump remarked at the FII Priority Summit in Miami, aligning with Indian time.
Earlier on Wednesday, Trump supported the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) decision to terminate the $21 million funding for “voter turnout in India.”
The Elon Musk-led DOGE announced on February 16 the cancellation of the $21 million grant, listing several foreign assistance initiatives—including the India voter turnout project—that were considered unnecessary or excessive.
The department also identified other nations that were set to receive US taxpayer dollars, all of which have now been revoked.
These included $29 million for “strengthening the political landscape in Bangladesh” and $20 million for “fiscal federalism” in Nepal.
Furthermore, concerns are being raised about the role of USAID and other organizations in Bangladesh during the Biden administration and their influence in the ousting of the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina last August. All USAID aid initiatives in Bangladesh have now been halted.
