The halls of the Indian Parliament reverberated with a new name this session: George Soros. The BJP, led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju and BJP President J.P. Nadda, accused the Congress party of links with Soros, an international financier often criticized for funding groups that challenge sovereign governments. Congress, predictably, cried foul, labeling the allegations a diversionary tactic to avoid discussing pressing issues like economic challenges and governance. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge dismissed the BJP’s claims, asserting that every time his party questions industrialist Gautam Adani’s dealings, the BJP counters with unsubstantiated accusations. Firebrand Congress leaders like Renuka Chowdary even dared the BJP to present evidence or take legal action. Yet, what cannot be ignored is the presence of Soros-linked individuals in pictures and videos with Rahul Gandhi during his international engagements—material circulated widely on social media. Instead of addressing these associations, Congress doubles down, demanding proof and calling the accusations baseless.
The BJP, however, sees this as a matter of national integrity. Party spokespersons like Sambit Patra and Sudhanshu Trivedi have not minced words, accusing Rahul Gandhi of undermining India on global platforms. They allege that Soros-funded entities have actively supported movements aimed at destabilizing the country, from protests against farm laws to demonstrations over the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Soros, a self-avowed proponent of regime change, has openly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi. His network has been linked to funding disruptive protests worldwide, and in India, whispers of his support for certain political groups like AAP have persisted. Allegations also suggest financial backing from pro-Khalistan elements for AAP’s Punjab campaign—a charge yet to be conclusively proven. It is worth noting that Congress’s indignation contrasts sharply with the actions of its former leader, Indira Gandhi. During her tenure, she frequently blamed unrest on a “foreign hand,” though her claims often lacked substantiation. The current context, however, is starkly different. Today, circumstantial evidence suggests active meddling by global actors in India’s domestic politics. The BJP’s decision to highlight this issue seems timely. As the world watches former U.S. President Donald Trump pledge to dismantle the “deep state” in his country, the BJP appears emboldened to expose alleged forces working against India’s interests.
Rahul Gandhi’s repeated visits to the U.S. and Europe have only added to this narrative. He has even controversially sought U.S. intervention in what he describes as the BJP-led NDA’s misgovernance. Further fuelling the controversy, his senior party colleague Mani Shankar Aiyar was caught on camera during a Pakistani TV debate, openly appealing for Pakistan’s involvement in destabilizing the democratically elected Narendra Modi government. However, rhetoric alone will not suffice. If the BJP is serious about its accusations, it must present irrefutable evidence. Allegations of treason and foreign interference are grave and require rigorous judicial scrutiny. Failure to substantiate these claims would reduce them to yet another chapter in the political blame game. India’s democracy demands transparency and accountability from all political players. If Soros or any foreign entity is indeed interfering in the nation’s politics, it is the government’s duty to act decisively. Conversely, if the allegations against Congress prove baseless, the BJP must be held accountable for spreading misinformation. It’s time for the BJP to walk the talk—or face the consequences of failing to back its claims with evidence.
