The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has intensified its allegations against Sonia Gandhi, claiming she is linked to George Soros and his funded organizations, which the party alleges have a shared goal of undermining India's growth. On December 8, 2024, BJP spokesperson Nishikant Dubey accused Gandhi of being associated with the FDL-AP Foundation, which the BJP claims supports the independence of Kashmir. The BJP pointed to Gandhi's role as chairperson of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation as evidence of foreign influence in Indian politics. Furthermore, the BJP highlighted the presence of Salil Shetty, associated with Soros-funded Open Society Foundation, alongside Rahul Gandhi during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, suggesting a connection between the Congress party and foreign entities. [a8e5daff]
The BJP's accusations come amid ongoing tensions surrounding U.S. involvement in Indian affairs, particularly in light of recent allegations regarding the Adani Group. The party has previously claimed that the U.S. State Department is attempting to destabilize India through critical media reports, a claim the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi has rejected as 'disappointing.' The embassy reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom and denied any collusion with Indian opposition parties. [fef4e54e]
In a related context, Rahul Gandhi has been vocal about corruption allegations against the Adani Group, which has faced scrutiny from U.S. authorities. The BJP has accused Soros and the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) of colluding with the opposition to harm India's economy, further complicating the narrative around foreign influence in domestic politics. The OCCRP has denied any claims of being funded by the U.S. government, asserting its editorial independence. [a8e5daff]
As these allegations unfold, they highlight the increasing complexity of India's political landscape, where accusations of foreign interference are becoming a central theme in the lead-up to the elections. The interplay between domestic political figures and international entities continues to raise questions about sovereignty and influence in Indian governance. [75cc7c82]