BJP launches fresh attack on Congress, questions links to Soros and China

The BJP, on Sunday, launched fresh allegations against the Congress party and its affiliated Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), chaired by former Congress President and Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi, accusing it of accepting foreign funds and collaborating with organisations that allegedly undermine India’s sovereignty. The claims, made in a series of posts on microblogging site X, have reignited political tensions between the two parties.

The BJP pointed to a 2007-08 collaboration between the RGF and the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), an organisation reportedly funded by George Soros’ Open Society Institute. It has accused HRLN of adopting anti-India stances, such as campaigning against sedition laws and providing legal support to illegal Rohingya migrants. “Why would a foundation linked to a major political party tie up with an organisation working against India’s national interests?” questions the BJP on X.

“Let’s take a look at the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF)—a key vehicle for the Congress party, chaired by Sonia Gandhi. Has it been using foreign funds to push anti-national agendas? Well, in 2007-08, RGF partnered with the Human Rights Law Network (HRLN), an organization that received substantial funding from George Soros’ Open Society Institute”, it noted.

The ruling party further alleged that in 2018-19, the RGF partnered with the Aman Biradari Trust (ABT), founded by Harsh Mander, a former member of Sonia Gandhi’s National Advisory Council. Mander, who has been associated with Soros, was involved in drafting the contentious Communal Violence Bill, which the BJP has described as “anti-Hindu.” The BJP claimed that these associations reflect the Congress party’s prioritisation of foreign influences over India’s national interests.

The BJP also raised concerns about the RGF accepting donations from the Chinese government during a period of heightened border tensions between India and China. “How can a political party accept funds from a nation that poses a direct threat to our sovereignty?” the BJP questioned, suggesting that such actions compromise India’s security.

In a broader critique, the BJP accused the Congress of undermining India’s security in key moments, citing its stance on surgical strikes, the Balakot airstrikes, and the Galwan Valley clash. “The Congress has repeatedly shown a willingness to sacrifice national interests for political power,” the BJP stated, pointing to what it called a pattern of compromising decisions under the Nehru-Gandhi family’s leadership.

On December 8, the BJP had alleged that Sonia Gandhi had ties to organisations financed by George Soros’ foundation, which has been linked to controversial positions, including the idea of Kashmir as an independent nation. The party claimed this reflects foreign interference in India’s domestic matters.

Amid these claims, the US rejected allegations from BJP MP Nishikant Dubey that American organisations were backing efforts to destabilise India, including targeted attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Gautam Adani. A US Embassy spokesperson called the accusations “disappointing,” asserting that the US remains a global advocate for media freedom.