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Gaurav Bhatia questions the Congress leadership's meeting with Progressive International and demands greater transparency. (Images: X)
New Delhi: The political confrontation between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress has intensified after BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia levelled allegations against Rahul Gandhi over his alleged links with foreign organisations. Bhatia questioned the nature of the Congress leadership's engagement with international groups and demanded transparency regarding their activities, funding and communications.
Speaking at a press conference, Bhatia used sharp personal remarks against the Leader of the Opposition (LoP) and alleged that certain foreign-based organisations were amplifying protests and demonstrations in India. The allegations followed an investigation published by Fox News Digital, which identified 101 organisations across nine countries that it said were connected with organising or amplifying protests.
The claims have triggered fresh political questions about international networks, protest mobilisation and the relationship between domestic political actors and overseas organisations. However, the allegations presented by the BJP spokesperson do not, by themselves, establish that Rahul Gandhi or the Congress coordinated unlawful activities with foreign groups.
Bhatia accused Rahul Gandhi of encouraging political disorder and questioned the Congress leader's engagement with organisations operating across international borders. He used terms including “Rahul Gaddar” during his remarks and alleged that the activities of certain groups warranted scrutiny. BJP spokesperson argued that the Congress should explain its interactions with overseas organisations, particularly those accused of promoting demonstrations or amplifying political messages related to events in India.
His remarks added another flashpoint to the ongoing political contest between the BJP and Congress, with the ruling party raising questions about transparency and the opposition's international engagements.
One organisation highlighted by Bhatia was Indian Alliance Paris, a France-based group that he said had rapidly shared videos and amplified social media posts concerning Rahul Gandhi's detention during a protest. Bhatia questioned whether the organisation's online activity indicated an attempt by foreign-based networks to influence political discussions in India.
The issue centres on the distinction between international advocacy, the circulation of protest-related content and any demonstrable coordination with political activities inside India. Establishing such coordination would require evidence beyond the publication or sharing of social media posts.
Bhatia also raised questions about Progressive International, which he described as a transnational anti-capitalist organisation. Referring to a Congress social media post, BJP spokesperson pointed to a meeting involving Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and a delegation from Progressive International at 10 Janpath in New Delhi on April 28, 2025. He demanded that the Congress disclose the purpose of the meeting and clarify whether it resulted in any formal agreements, continuing communications or financial arrangements.
BJP has presented the meeting as a matter requiring further explanation. However, the fact that political leaders meet representatives of an international organisation does not on its own establish wrongdoing or prove that the parties coordinated protests.
Bhatia alleged that the organisations discussed during the press conference were associated with demonstrations and unrest in countries including France, Spain and Albania. He called on the Congress to explain whether it maintained any institutional relationship with the groups and to provide details of potential funding arrangements. He also referred to a social media post by Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut concerning protests in Albania, arguing that the post raised questions about attitudes towards constitutional institutions.
Bhatia further drew a comparison with slogans raised by protesters at the Supreme Court premises. He maintained that the right to protest should not be confused with violence, arson or the destruction of public institutions. His comments placed the debate over foreign organisations within a broader political argument about protest rights, institutional integrity and the boundaries of democratic dissent.
The Fox News Digital report cited during the press conference claimed that an international coalition comprising 28 communist and socialist youth organisations was mobilising students for coordinated strikes across Europe. According to the report, the network operates across several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Greece, Brazil and India, and uses international media platforms to amplify demonstrations.
The report also referred to Neville Roy Singham and Indian Alliance Paris in connection with the circulation of protest-related material and online messaging surrounding demonstrations in France and student protests in India. These claims remain distinct from independently established evidence of unlawful coordination by Rahul Gandhi or the Congress. The report's findings and the BJP's interpretation of them should therefore be assessed separately.
Concluding his remarks, Bhatia called on Rahul Gandhi and the Congress leadership to disclose the details of their interaction with Progressive International, explain whether any formal agreements were reached and clarify the funding sources of the organisations under discussion. BJP spokesperson also sought information about possible ongoing communications and the nature of any relationships between Congress leaders and overseas groups.
The Congress's response to these specific demands would be central to resolving the political questions raised at the press conference. Until supporting evidence is established, the allegations of foreign-backed coordination and involvement in unrest remain claims made by the BJP rather than proven findings. The controversy has once again brought foreign influence, political advocacy and the role of international networks into India's political debate, with the BJP pressing for greater disclosure and the allegations adding to the confrontation between the ruling party and the opposition.
