BJP Alleges Deep Ties Between George Soros and the Nehru-Gandhi Family

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday intensified its attack on the Congress, alleging that the Nehru-Gandhi family’s connections with US-based billionaire George Soros go beyond Sonia Gandhi’s role as co-president of the Forum of Democratic Leaders – Asia Pacific (FDL-AP).

The BJP claimed these ties could have compromised India’s strategic interests, benefiting the Gandhi family’s extended entrepreneurial ventures and aligning with global power networks.

Referring to media reports, the BJP alleged that Fori Nehru, a Hungarian relative of the Nehru-Gandhi family, had significant connections with Soros.

The party stated that Soros had visited Fori Nehru and maintained extended correspondence with her, dating back to when BK Nehru, her husband and Jawaharlal Nehru’s cousin, served as India’s ambassador to the United States.

“This raises questions about the extent to which the Nehru-Gandhi family may have compromised India’s strategic interests to benefit their financial pursuits and align with global power networks,” the BJP asserted in a post on X.

Congress Rebuts Allegations as Diversionary Tactic

Congress dismissed the BJP’s accusations, calling them an attempt to divert attention from domestic controversies, particularly those involving industrialist Gautam Adani.

At a press conference, Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate criticized the government for failing to act against Soros if his activities were deemed anti-India.

“Soros’s Open Society Foundations receive funding from the UN Democracy Fund, which India has supported for the past eight years.

India has contributed $900,000 to this fund,” Shrinate revealed, questioning why no action was taken against Soros’s interests in India.

The Congress also alleged that the BJP’s charges were baseless, citing economist Shamika Ravi’s links to the Open Society Foundation.

Ravi, a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council, denied the claims, clarifying that funding was directed to the Indian School of Business, where she worked as an assistant professor.

BJP Defends its Stance Amid Escalating Tensions

The BJP countered Congress’s defense by scrutinizing funds contributed to the UN Democracy Fund during the UPA era.

Amit Malviya, in charge of BJP’s IT department, highlighted that approximately $31 million of the $32 million India contributed to the fund occurred under the UPA government, with only $1 million provided during the Modi administration.

“Did India directly fund George Soros? Absolutely not,” Malviya stated. “India contributed to the UN, which funded various NGOs, some of which received support from Soros. The logic of this claim is flawed.”

Historical Context Adds Complexity

The BJP further alleged that Sonia Gandhi’s involvement with the FDL-AP, financed by Soros’s foundation, and Fori Nehru’s historical ties to Soros demonstrated foreign influence in India’s internal affairs.

The party pointed to a 2009 report highlighting Soros’s visit to India, during which he met Fori Nehru in Kasauli.

These allegations sparked debates in Parliament, with BJP leaders J.P. Nadda and Kiren Rijiju raising the issue in the Rajya Sabha, leading to an adjournment.

Congress Turns the Spotlight Back on the Government

Amidst these accusations, Congress questioned why the BJP government did not act against Soros’s business ventures in India or seek his extradition if his activities were truly anti-India.

Congress leaders argued that the BJP’s allegations were an orchestrated effort to sideline pressing domestic issues, including controversies surrounding Adani.

In response to Congress’s no-confidence motion against Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, BJP leaders claimed the move was another diversion tactic.

Sambit Patra, a BJP spokesperson, labeled it a disregard for the Indian Constitution, asserting that Congress lacked sufficient support in the Rajya Sabha to achieve its goals.

Allegations Amidst Rising Political Tensions

The BJP and Congress remain locked in a war of words, with the BJP accusing Congress of compromising national interests and Congress accusing the ruling party of avoiding accountability.

This escalating clash reflects deeper political strategies aimed at influencing public opinion and maintaining control over the narrative in an increasingly polarized environment.

The ongoing debates in Parliament and the exchange of accusations signal that this controversy is unlikely to subside soon, as both parties seek to solidify their positions in the public and political arena.