BJP Counters Rahul Gandhi’s PM Modi Remark By Sharing Previously Circulated Footage From Britain

A political confrontation broke out between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress after Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of relying on foreign support to become and remain in office. The Leader of the Opposition made the allegation in a social media post on Monday, responding to Modi’s criticism of the Opposition. The BJP countered by circulating a video of Gandhi speaking in London in March 2023, claiming his remarks showed that he had sought foreign involvement in India’s domestic affairs. The exchange has brought allegations about foreign influence and democratic institutions back into the political debate.

Gandhi’s post responded to Modi’s address at the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations in Gujarat on October 31, marking the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Modi said the Opposition had moved away from questioning government policies and had become an “Avrodh Paksh”, or obstructionist force, rather than a “Virodh Paksh”. He accused certain forces of attempting to divide the country, spread rumours through social media and damage India’s image from abroad. The Prime Minister also questioned who opposition leaders were meeting overseas and which groups were supporting them. Although he did not name Gandhi, the Congress leader interpreted the comments as an attack on him and the Opposition.

In his response on X, Gandhi alleged that Modi became prime minister because of foreign help and continued in office with such support. He further claimed that India’s financial system was controlled and supported by foreign entities and that foreign social media platforms backed the Prime Minister. Gandhi did not provide specific evidence in the post to substantiate those claims. He challenged Modi to an open debate, saying he was willing to appear on any platform and at any time. Gandhi also claimed that the Prime Minister would avoid the challenge because he was afraid of what the Congress leader knew about him. The BJP’s response focused on Gandhi’s past overseas remarks and visits.

Also Read: Rahul Gandhi Questions PM Modi’s Political Rise, Demands Debate On Alleged Foreign Assistance

BJP national spokesperson C. R. Kesavan shared an archival video from Gandhi’s March 2023 visit to the United Kingdom. During an interaction with British parliamentarians and think tanks in London, Gandhi questioned why Western democracies, including the United States and European countries, were not responding to what he described as the weakening of democratic institutions in India. In the video cited by Kesavan, Gandhi said the Opposition’s struggle was “not just an Indian battle” and described it as a wider democratic concern. Kesavan argued that the remarks amounted to seeking foreign interference in India’s internal affairs. He accused Gandhi of hypocrisy, saying the Congress leader was now accusing Modi of receiving foreign assistance after asking international audiences to focus on India’s political situation.

Kesavan also raised allegations concerning the Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific, an international organisation he linked to Congress leaders and institutions funded by billionaire George Soros. He questioned claims about Sonia Gandhi’s association with the forum and alleged that it had supported the idea of an independent Kashmir. These assertions formed part of the BJP’s attack and were not independently established in the exchange. Kesavan also referred to US short-seller Hindenburg Research and German academic Cornelia Woll, alleging connections between individuals associated with Gandhi and organisations backed by Soros. He questioned Gandhi’s overseas engagements and demanded transparency about his foreign travel and meetings, citing his position as Leader of the Opposition.

The dispute follows repeated exchanges between the ruling party and Congress over alleged foreign influence and the conduct of political opponents. Modi has urged people to recognise what he described as attempts by external forces and their domestic supporters to weaken national unity, while Congress leaders have accused the government of using such claims to deflect criticism. Gandhi’s challenge for a public debate has added another dimension, but neither side’s allegations were substantiated by evidence in the statements exchanged. The BJP’s use of the 2023 London video has shifted attention to Gandhi’s earlier comments, while his post has kept focus on claims about foreign support for the Prime Minister. The competing charges remain part of the parties’ arguments.

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