Bengaluru: BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his allegation that Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the country’s leader with the backing of foreign powers, describing the remarks as irresponsible and politically motivated.
Reacting to Gandhi’s statement, Bommai accused the Congress leader of making allegations out of political desperation and attempting to divert attention from his own shortcomings. He asserted that Modi had risen to the country’s top leadership position without depending on any foreign power.
The BJP leader’s response has added to the political exchange between the BJP and Congress over allegations of foreign influence, overseas funding and the role of external organisations in India’s domestic affairs.
Bommai accuses Rahul Gandhi of making irresponsible statements
Bommai alleged that Gandhi was making accusations against others to cover up his own political failures. He questioned the Congress leader’s conduct and claimed that Gandhi frequently travelled abroad and maintained links with foreign elements.
The BJP MP further alleged that Gandhi was associating with groups opposed to India’s interests and making statements that, according to him, were detrimental to the country.
Bommai dismissed Gandhi’s claim about foreign backing for Modi’s political rise, saying the allegation was false and lacked credibility. He maintained that the Prime Minister had secured his position through his own political journey and public support rather than assistance from foreign powers.
George Soros and foreign funding allegations
Taking his criticism further, Bommai alleged that Gandhi had connections with billionaire investor George Soros and claimed that foreign money was being used to create unrest in India.
He also accused Soros-linked networks of attempting to destabilise the country and weaken its unity through financial support. The BJP MP additionally alleged that the Congress party was receiving funds from abroad.
These were allegations made by Bommai in his political response. The statement provided no supporting documentary evidence or specific details to substantiate the claims of foreign funding or links involving Gandhi and the Congress party.
The issue of foreign influence in India’s domestic affairs has repeatedly featured in political exchanges between the ruling BJP and the Opposition. The BJP has raised concerns about the activities of certain international organisations and networks, while Congress has criticised what it describes as attempts to target its leadership through unsubstantiated allegations.
BJP leader says public will reject allegations
Bommai said the public would not be influenced by what he described as baseless accusations against the Prime Minister. He accused Gandhi of using such remarks to divert attention from the Congress party’s political shortcomings.
The BJP MP’s comments reflect the continuing confrontation between the two national parties, with leaders trading allegations over political credibility, foreign influence and national interests.
The exchange has once again brought the debate over external influence in Indian politics into focus. While Gandhi’s remarks questioned the circumstances surrounding Modi’s rise to power, Bommai rejected the suggestion and countered with allegations against the Congress leader.