BJP claims link between Rahul Gandhi, George Soros and OCCRP; calls him 'traitor of the highest order'

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday leveled serious allegations against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of being aligned with international forces and investigative media platforms purportedly working to destabilize India.

The allegations were raised during a heated Lok Sabha session, which had to be adjourned amid loud protests from both sides.

BJP leaders K. Laxman and Sambit Patra referenced a report from French media outlet Mediapart to substantiate their claims. According to Patra, entities such as billionaire George Soros, US-based agencies, and the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) form part of a "dangerous triangle" with Gandhi to foster instability in the country.


"I have no hesitation in saying he (Gandhi) is a traitor of the highest order," said Patra during a press conference.

Patra also alleged that OCCRP, which relies heavily on funding from Soros and US agencies, has used its platform to publish reports critical of India, which Gandhi has then used to target the government.

Covaxin Controversy: Patra cited Gandhi's criticisms following an OCCRP report about Brazil canceling a $324 million order for Covaxin, claiming the Congress leader leveraged outdated information to malign the government.

Pegasus Allegations: He linked Gandhi's attacks on the government over the Pegasus spyware issue to OCCRP’s reports, suggesting a coordinated effort to harm India's reputation.

National Herald Case: Patra noted that OCCRP described the legal proceedings involving Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in the National Herald case as "politically motivated," aligning it with a broader anti-India agenda.

Patra accused Gandhi of working against national interests, stating, "Rahul Gandhi does not want India to move ahead. He does not want the Indian Parliament to function." He also alleged that Gandhi’s actions coincide with Parliament sessions, aiming to disrupt proceedings with "fake" news.

BJP MP K. Laxman echoed similar sentiments, asserting that Congress and its allies are aligned with anti-India forces to advance disruptive agendas.

The Congress has yet to issue a detailed response, but past reactions to similar allegations have dismissed them as diversionary tactics.

The accusations mark another chapter in the escalating political confrontation between the BJP and the Congress, with both sides intensifying their rhetoric ahead of the 2024 general elections. The BJP's claims could influence public opinion, especially as the government continues to emphasize its stance against foreign interference in domestic matters.

(With inputs from PTI)