Modi Addresses Musk’s ‘Doge’ Claim, Opposition Seizes Opportunity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a brewing controversy during a rally in Madhya Pradesh, responding to Elon Musk’s claim that the U.S. had funneled $21 million to boost voter turnout in Indian elections. Modi called it “a misunderstanding” and emphasized India’s sovereignty, saying, “Our democracy doesn’t need foreign tutoring.” The statement followed U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated mentions of the alleged aid, which records later clarified was meant for Bangladesh, not India. The opposition Congress pounced on the issue, with Rahul Gandhi accusing the Modi government of “cozying up to foreign interference” during Modi’s recent U.S. visit. The episode has fueled a political firestorm, with social media abuzz over Musk’s role in amplifying the narrative, leaving the government on the defensive.