On Saturday, the political temperature in New Delhi rose sharply when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a scathing attack on Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi. His recent trip to four South American countries has become the new flashpoint between the ruling party and the Congress.
The BJP not only questioned the purpose of Gandhi’s diplomatic journey, but they also made things worse by saying that the Congress leader is actively establishing a “global alliance” against India and is being led by the infamous billionaire George Soros.
The Claim: A “Global Alliance” and the Soros Connection
The argument started just after Pawan Khera, the head of Congress’s media and publicity department, said on social media that Rahul Gandhi was going to South America. The Congress said the goal is to “engage with political leaders, university students, and members of the business community across four countries.”
But BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari instantly jumped on the news, turning a normal trip abroad into a national issue with a sharply worded post on X (previously Twitter).
“Rahul Gandhi is going on another trip abroad!” Rahul Gandhi is going to South America! I wonder who the next person Rahul will see in secret who is against India will be! Bhandari wrote, establishing the tone for the onslaught.
Then he made the severe accusation: “Rahul wants to fight the Indian state and Indian democracy!” He is putting together a global group to help him. His mentor, George Soros, could be telling him what to do!
The BJP has tried to connect the Congress leadership to George Soros before. Soros is a Hungarian-American billionaire and philanthropist who has been accused by right-wing parties around the world of meddling in politics in his home country.
When Sonam Wangchuk was arrested: The Question of Timing
The BJP spokesperson made his criticism more stronger by tying the timing of Rahul Gandhi’s departure to a well-known local event.
Bhandari pointed out that the visit happened at the same time as the arrest of activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, who was apparently held under the National Security Act (NSA). “Look at the timing: Rahul Gandhi left right after his ideological anarchist Sonam Wangchuk was arrested under the NSA,” he said.
Bhandari also talked about times in the past when he says Rahul Gandhi has worked with people who are against India’s interests. This included a warning that Gandhi “asked for foreign interference in Indian democracy, met with anti-India groups like Ilhan Omar, and even got the support of Khalistani terrorist Pannu.” The BJP’s main point is that the Leader of the Opposition’s activities abroad are always meant to weaken the present government and hurt India’s reputation throughout the world.
Congress said the visit was a smart way to reach out
The Congress party has called the South America journey an important diplomatic and trade mission that is necessary for India’s future. The party said that Rahul Gandhi will be visiting Brazil and Colombia, along with two other countries, where he will interact with different groups.