“Who Needs Foreign Help?” BJP Turns Tables on Rahul Gandhi

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 3rd Nov: The Rahul Gandhi foreign help claim has triggered a fresh political exchange, with the BJP hitting back at the Congress leader after he alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power and continues in office with foreign support.

BJP national spokesperson C.R. Kesavan criticised Gandhi in a post on X, calling him a “lousy con artist” and accusing him of hypocrisy. He referred to Gandhi’s remarks during a visit to London in March 2023, alleging that the Congress leader had sought international attention over India’s democratic institutions.

Kesavan shared an archival video from Gandhi’s London interaction, in which the Congress leader questioned why the United States and European countries were not responding to what he described as democratic backsliding in India. Gandhi had said the issue was “not just an Indian battle”.

BJP raises questions over alleged foreign links
Kesavan also questioned alleged links between Congress leaders and the Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific (FDL-AP). He raised claims concerning Sonia Gandhi’s alleged association with the organisation and its reported links to George Soros-funded institutions.

The BJP spokesperson further referred to Hindenburg Research and German academic Cornelia Woll, questioning Rahul Gandhi’s alleged associations with individuals and organisations linked to Soros-funded entities.

These remarks were presented by Kesavan as allegations and questions directed at the Congress leadership.

He also questioned Gandhi’s overseas visits, asking whom the Congress leader meets during these trips and what their purpose is. Kesavan described the alleged lack of transparency around such visits as a matter of concern, citing Gandhi’s position as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

Rahul Gandhi challenges PM Modi to debate
The BJP’s response followed Gandhi’s post on X on Monday, in which he accused Modi of becoming Prime Minister and remaining in office because of foreign help.

Gandhi also alleged that India’s financial system was controlled and supported by foreign interests and that foreign social media platforms backed the Prime Minister. He challenged Modi to an open debate, saying he was ready to participate at any venue and time.

PM Modi’s remarks trigger political exchange
The exchange followed Modi’s address at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Gujarat on October 31. Without directly naming Gandhi, the Prime Minister warned against forces allegedly attempting to divide the country and damage India’s image from abroad.

PM Modi questioned who was meeting whom overseas, which forces were supporting anti-India activities and how social media was being used to spread rumours.

The latest exchange has brought allegations over foreign influence, overseas engagements and India’s political discourse into the centre of a fresh confrontation between the BJP and Congress.