BJP Alleges Sonia Gandhi's Ties to Soros-Funded Organization: A Political Storm Brewing?

The BJP alleged that Sonia Gandhi's role as co-president of the Forum of the Democratic Leaders in Asia Pacific Foundation ties her to an entity funded by the George Soros Foundation, raising questions about her affiliations and influences.

P24 News Media

December 08, 2024

1 minute

BJP Alleges Sonia Gandhi's Ties to Soros-Funded Organization: A Political Storm Brewing?

India

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has recently put forth serious allegations regarding former Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, claiming she is linked to an organization financially backed by the George Soros Foundation. This organization supposedly advocates for the concept of Kashmir as an independent entity. The ruling party has raised concerns about the implications of foreign involvement in India's domestic matters, which they articulated through a series of posts on the social media platform X.

In line with this narrative, BJP officials have countered Congress's recent protests regarding the Adani issue, intensifying their criticism of Rahul Gandhi. In Maharashtra, political dynamics are also shifting, with the BJP set to announce its chief ministerial candidate following a crucial meeting on December 4, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has accused the BJP of facilitating the settlement of Rohingya refugees in Delhi before the elections—a claim that the BJP has denied. Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray has suggested that the Maharashtra Samajwadi Party has become a subordinate ally to the BJP, following a call for the exit of MVA from Abu Azmi.

Despite the assertions made by the BJP, the United States has dismissed the party's claims that it is involved in efforts to undermine India's stability. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has announced plans to pose ten questions to Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha regarding these allegations, emphasizing a supposed collaboration between the media platform Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), along with Hungarian-American businessman George Soros, to tarnish India's economic reputation and discredit the Modi administration.

The BJP further elaborated that Sonia Gandhi’s role as co-president of the Forum of the Democratic Leaders in Asia Pacific (FDL-AP) Foundation links her to organizations that have views favoring Kashmir's separation. They highlighted this connection as indicative of the external influences infiltrating India's political landscape. The BJP underscored that Sonia Gandhi’s leadership in the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation has resulted in partnerships with the George Soros Foundation, which they argue signals the adverse impact of foreign funding on Indian organizations and politics.

Adding to the controversy, the BJP claimed that Rahul Gandhi's press conference criticizing the Adani Group was broadcasted by the OCCRP, further emphasizing their perceived connection to Soros and alleging an intention to destabilize the Indian economy. They also noted that Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has publicly referred to George Soros as an “old friend,” which they consider significant amidst these allegations.

This discourse intensified after the BJP claimed that the U.S. “deep state” had conspired with the OCCRP and Rahul Gandhi to undermine India's global standing. In response to these charges, a spokesperson from the U.S. Embassy characterized the accusations as "disappointing," asserting the U.S. government's commitment to media freedom worldwide. They clarified that while the U.S. does provide funding for various organizations, this support does not dictate the editorial slant of independent media outlets.

BJP MP Dubey, reacting to the U.S. embassy’s dismissal of their claims, insisted that the statements confirm the alleged financial backing from the U.S. government to OCCRP and that Soros's influence is damaging India's economic interests in concert with opposition leaders. He reiterated his commitment to confronting Rahul Gandhi within the parliamentary framework and invoked specific rules asserting his rights to question the opposition's motives.

Furthermore, the BJP has pointed to Gandhi's usage of OCCRP reports as a basis for his critiques of the Adani Group, raising further concerns about the integrity of these associations. In contrast, the U.S. reiterated that its collaboration with independent organizations is aimed at enhancing professional capabilities, distancing itself from the accusations laid out by the BJP.

The OCCRP, an organization headquartered in Amsterdam, dedicates itself to investigating matters related to crime and corruption. This narrative unfolds amid serious allegations leveled against Gautam Adani, who along with his nephew and several others, faces charges of bribery exceeding USD 250 million to secure favorable solar energy contracts. The Adani Group has refuted these allegations, labeling them as unfounded. In response, the Congress party has pressed for the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the claims surrounding the Adani Group.