NEW DELHI, Dec 8: The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claimed on Sunday that former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has ties to an organization funded by the George Soros Foundation, which advocates for Kashmir’s independence. This association, according to the BJP, illustrates the influence of foreign entities meddling in India’s domestic matters, as expressed in various posts on X.
In response to the BJP’s allegations of foreign interference, particularly from the United States, party member Nishikant Dubey announced plans to pose ten questions to Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi during the Lok Sabha session.
Dubey accused the media outlet Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Hungarian-American financier Soros of colluding with the opposition to undermine India’s economy and tarnish the image of the Modi administration.
The BJP stated that Sonia Gandhi’s role as co-president of the Forum of Democratic Leaders in Asia Pacific (FDL-AP) connects her to a Soros-funded organization that advocates for Kashmir’s status as a separate entity. “This association reveals the extent of foreign influence on Indian political affairs,” the party said.
They further emphasized the concern over Sonia Gandhi’s leadership of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, which allegedly partnered with the Soros Foundation, showcasing the impact of foreign funding on Indian organizations.
The BJP also pointed out that Rahul Gandhi’s press conference criticizing Adani was broadcast by the Soros-backed OCCRP, indicating a deep connection between them and their efforts to disrupt the Indian economy.
Additionally, they noted that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has referred to Soros as an “old friend,” underscoring the significance of this relationship.
The BJP’s accusations arose shortly after they claimed that U.S. “deep state” elements colluded with OCCRP and Rahul Gandhi to harm India’s reputation.
However, the U.S. dismissed these allegations on Saturday, with a spokesperson from the U.S. embassy expressing disappointment and asserting their commitment to media freedom worldwide.
Responding to this statement, Dubey reiterated that the U.S. government admits to funding OCCRP and, therefore, Soros, suggesting they work together to undermine India’s economy in alliance with opposition leaders in his X post in Hindi.
“After the recent statements, I am compelled to question Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. The opposition is attempting to stifle my voice in Parliament, but I am prepared to exercise my right to question,” said Dubey.
The BJP highlighted Gandhi’s reliance on OCCRP reports in his criticism of the Adani Group and its alleged ties to the government.
“It’s regrettable that the ruling party in India makes such accusations,” stated the U.S. embassy spokesperson on Saturday. “The U.S. government engages with independent organizations to support journalistic training, without influencing their editorial decisions.”
OCCRP, based in Amsterdam, focuses primarily on stories related to crime and corruption.
Recently, U.S. prosecutors charged Adani and others for allegedly bribing Indian officials for solar energy contracts worth over USD 250 million, claims the Adani Group has called unfounded.
The Congress party has criticized the government for allegedly protecting Adani and is advocating for a Joint Parliamentary Committee to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations. (Agencies)
