BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia on Friday charged Congress MP Rahul Gandhi with pursuing activities contrary to national interests and working with foreign powers to "defeat" Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom the Congress has consistently failed to challenge electorally.
Bhatia asserted that Rahul Gandhi cannot digest the fact that PM Modi has emerged as a world leader. He also asked questions from the Congress leader about recent developments on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) supposedly trying to interfere in Indian elections, his relationship with American investor George Soros and US politician Ilhan Omar, who has frequently been vocal against India.
Citing a statement by then-US President Donald Trump, where he explained how USAID funds were supposedly being utilized to interfere in India's election process, Bhatia claimed that the Congress has now adopted an anti-India stance. He accused the party of siding with forces that are dangerous to the country's interests.
"Congress leaders, through their words and actions, are working against the country's progress and unity," Bhatia said at a press conference.
He further alleged that Rahul Gandhi’s opposition to PM Modi has escalated to a point where he is now displaying contempt for the country and its citizens. Bhatia accused him of disrespecting the Constitution despite taking an oath to uphold it.
As per Bhatia, Rahul Gandhi and the Congress party are uncomfortable with the stability India has gained under PM Modi. He asserted that they have been used to profiting from corrupt means of middlemen and kickbacks.
Prior to the Lok Sabha elections, PM Modi, with India's so-called "patriotic journalists and organizations," had complained of foreign forces trying to interfere with India's democratic process. He contended that the aim of such interference was to remove PM Modi, whom he had called the world's most popular leader, and to lower India's global image. Bhatia also claimed that a budget of $21 million was granted specifically to meddle in India's elections.
He accused the Congress party of not having an effective and clear governance policy, contending that its leadership has long followed a path to power instead of national development.
"On the contrary, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has seen strong and firm rule. Rahul Gandhi cannot digest this. I say it with utmost responsibility—he is selling out India, its Constitution and the people," Bhatia said.
Earlier during the day, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed reports about USAID's supposed role in Indian elections. The ministry attested that the concerned government departments are looking into the issue.
"We have noted the reports made public by the US administration on certain USAID activities and appropriations. These reports are extremely disturbing, since they raise grave concerns over foreign interference in India's internal affairs," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at a media briefing in Delhi.
He further stated, "Relevant departments and agencies are examining this matter. At this point, it will be too early to make any public announcement. Yet, authorities are indeed exploring the situation and we hope to make further announcements in due course."
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