BJP Condemns Congress for Backing USCIRF Report on Indian Agencies
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the Congress party on Tuesday, accusing it of "endorsing" a report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that recommends sanctions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra stated that in their antagonism towards the government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the opposition party and Rahul Gandhi are standing against India.
BJP Dismisses Report as Baseless
The BJP dismissed the USCIRF report as "baseless" and asserted it is based on non-credible sources, citing the response of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which has rejected the report. Patra emphasized that RAW, as India's external spy agency, should not be the subject of commentary or calls for sanctions by any foreign commission. "While the government has responded strongly, Congress is speaking against RAW and standing with this commission," Patra added.
Allegations of Foreign Influence and Rahul Gandhi's Role
Noting that the official handle of the opposition party had endorsed the report, Patra said it shows the extent to which the party can go against the country "at the instance of Rahul". He alleged that a Pakistani-American, Asif Mohammed, serves as vice-chair and commissioner in USCIRF, and his influence was behind the report's criticism of India. "Whenever Rahul travels abroad, he associates with such individuals and leaves no opportunity to tarnish India's image or harm the country's reputation," he alleged.
Patra further criticized Congress for aligning with foreign entities against national interests, highlighting what he described as a pattern of behavior detrimental to India's sovereignty. The BJP's response underscores ongoing political tensions over national security and foreign policy, with the party positioning itself as a defender of India's institutions against perceived external and internal threats.
