BJP Accuses Sonia Gandhi of Links to Soros-Funded Organization Advocating Kashmir Independence
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused former Congress president Sonia Gandhi of ties to an organization funded by the George Soros Foundation, which has supported the notion of Kashmir as an independent nation.
The BJP claims that this connection indicates interference by foreign entities in India’s domestic matters.
In a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), the BJP highlighted Sonia Gandhi’s role as co-president of the Forum of Democratic Leaders in Asia Pacific (FDL-AP) Foundation, which allegedly shares controversial views on Kashmir.
Party leaders further alleged that the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, under her leadership, collaborated with Soros-funded organizations, showcasing the influence of foreign funding on Indian affairs.
The BJP alleged, “This association between Sonia Gandhi and an organization that has backed the idea of Kashmir as an independent nation expresses the influence of foreign entities on India’s internal affairs.”
Claims of Economic Destabilization
The BJP also targeted Congress MP Rahul Gandhi for his purported association with Soros-funded organizations.
The party alleged that the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), funded by the Soros Foundation, served as a source for Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Adani Group.
“Rahul Gandhi’s press conference on Adani was live telecast by George Soros-funded OCCRP, which he used as a source to criticize Adani,” BJP leaders claimed.
They also highlighted Congress MP Shashi Tharoor’s past acknowledgment of Soros as an “old friend,” suggesting a deeper connection between Congress leaders and foreign entities.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey accused the OCCRP and Soros of conspiring with opposition parties to harm India’s economy and defame the Modi government.
He stated, “The job of OCCRP and Soros is to ruin India’s economy and defame the Modi government in connivance with opposition leaders.”
US Denies BJP’s Allegations
The BJP’s accusations extended to alleging involvement of the US “deep state” in attempts to destabilize India. However, the US Embassy dismissed these claims, describing them as “disappointing.”
A spokesperson clarified that the US government supports media freedom globally but does not influence the editorial policies of organizations it funds.
In response, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey reiterated his concerns about foreign interference, claiming the US and Soros-funded entities were undermining India’s stability.
Political Reactions and Opposition Rebuttals
Reacting to the allegations, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi stated that Congress leaders were colluding with foreign forces to destabilize India.
He alleged that a “systematic anti-India experiment” was underway, with Sonia Gandhi playing a prominent role as co-president of FDL-AP Foundation.
Meanwhile, Congress leaders dismissed the allegations as baseless. MP Karti Chidambaram termed the claims “dark fantasies,” while Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav criticized the BJP for making unsubstantiated accusations.
RJD MP Manoj Jha argued that the government should focus on investigations rather than promoting conspiracy theories. “If there are serious allegations, the government should initiate probes instead of indulging in baseless theories,” Jha said.
Soros and OCCRP in the Spotlight
The allegations against George Soros and his foundation have reignited discussions about foreign-funded organizations’ influence in India.
The BJP accused Soros of pledging $1 billion to destabilize Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, framing this as part of a broader effort to undermine India’s sovereignty.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju termed the alleged links between Sonia Gandhi and Soros “a serious concern” and called for national unity against anti-India forces.
Rijiju emphasized that this issue transcends political rivalry, urging collective efforts to safeguard India’s integrity.
“It is an important issue that should not be viewed through a political lens. If powers outside India are trying to defy India, it is a matter of national concern,” Rijiju stated.
