Soros link allegations on Rahul Gandhi leads to political crossfire

A fierce political confrontation has unfolded between India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Congress, centering on Union Minister Kiren Rijiju's explosive accusation that Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi is "anti-national" due to purported ties with billionaire philanthropist George Soros.

The controversy stems from Rijiju's remarks branding Gandhi as "the most dangerous person for national security," alleging that the Congress leader and his party are "dancing to the tune of George Soros," whom the BJP portrays as an anti-India figure. Congress leaders questioned the fairness of such labels and pressed the government on why no action has been taken if evidence exists. "If there is evidence against Rahul Gandhi, what is the government waiting for?" they asked.

BJP leaders defended the BJP's stance, arguing that Gandhi's actions warrant scrutiny without immediate legal intervention to avoid turning him into a "martyr." He cited examples such as Gandhi's alleged signing of a document with the Communist Party of China, donations to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation from the Chinese embassy and Zakir Naik's foundation, and meetings with figures like Ilhan Omar, whom Singh described as anti-India. "The voters of India can see through this and have been rejecting him," Singh said, referencing Gandhi's past criticisms of institutions like the Election Commission.

He also accused Gandhi of undermining India's image abroad, such as claiming Sikhs are treated as second-class citizens and alleging Chinese intrusions into Indian territory. Singh emphasized that court cases, including one in Allahabad over Gandhi's Sikh remarks, demonstrate accountability, but insisted politics plays a role in timing actions.

Congress spokesperson Mahima Singh vehemently countered, accusing the BJP of hypocrisy and desperation. She highlighted threats against Gandhi from individuals associated with BJP-RSS affiliates, including a viral video where a man warned of dire consequences for criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "This is what happens when vicious politics flows down from the very top," she said, referencing the Gandhi family's history of sacrifices, including the assassinations of two prime ministers.

Singh challenged the BJP to deny links between its own members and Soros-funded organizations, noting an open dare from Congress leader Pawan Khera. "Can they come on record to say none of their associates... have not benefited from Soros Foundations?" she asked. She dismissed the anti-national label as an insult to Gandhi's voters, who elected him from two constituencies with margins of four lakh votes each, contrasting it with Modi's narrower victory.

A pro congress political analyst labeled the BJP's allegations as part of a global right-wing playbook against Soros, who supports democracy movements worldwide. "The BJP is lying through its teeth," he  said, asserting that Gandhi is "more patriotic than Narendra Modi" and that his family has contributed more to India than the entire BJP.

He questioned the government's funding of events linked to calls for ethnic cleansing and the opacity of the PM CARES Fund, which includes Chinese investors. he argued that the accusations insult 42% of Indian voters who supported the opposition in recent elections, calling it an affront to democracy.

Another political observer, often seen as pro-government, took a more measured view, criticizing the use of terms like "anti-national" and "fascist" as overused and ineffective. "These terms have lost their intensity," he said, noting that such labels historically shifted from right-wing parties being called CIA agents in the 1960s-70s to center-left figures today.

While acknowledging concerns over Gandhi's interactions with certain anti-India critics, he urged respect for the institution of the Leader of Opposition. "It's unfortunate... it's about respecting the position," he added, suggesting that beyond committed party bases, the public is not swayed by such rhetoric.

The debate intensified with cross-accusations, including BJP leaaders questioning Gandhi's meetings during the Doklam standoff and his statements on Indian soldiers. Congress, in turn, repeatedly pressed on government inaction against both Gandhi and Soros, asking if politics trumps national security. The episode underscored a nadir in opposition-government relations, with no resolution in sight, leaving viewers to ponder the balance between political sparring and national unity.