Panaji, Nov 4 BJP spokesperson Tuhin Sinha on Wednesday accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of “repeatedly embarrassing India on international platforms” through his meetings with foreign leaders, alleging that it raised questions about “foreign hand”.
Talking to PTI here, Sinha cited five instances, including Gandhi’s alleged meeting with Chinese officials during the 2017 Doklam standoff, his online interaction with then US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns in 2021, and his meetings with British politician Jeremy Corbyn in 2022 and US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar in 2023.
He also referred to Gandhi’s 2024 visit to the US, alleging that the Congress leader had attempted to provoke members of the Sikh community by claiming that Sikhs in India were not allowed to visit gurdwaras.
“These are just five instances. There have been many more….one gets the impression that some foreign hand could be controlling him,” Sinha alleged, demanding that the Congress leader clarify his position.
The BJP spokesperson said Gandhi should have a debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on allegations of foreign influence, claiming that Modi has consistently strengthened India’s position internationally.
Sinha also defended the Modi government’s foreign and economic policies, citing Operation Sindoor against Pakistan, India’s position in trade negotiations with the US, and its decisions on oil procurement to ensure energy security.
Accusing Gandhi of attempting to divert attention from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Sinha said the Congress leader was avoiding a parliamentary debate on the issue despite Union Home Minister Amit Shah challenging him to discuss it in Parliament.
“Rahul Gandhi always runs away from responsibility and the truth. He does not have the confidence to discuss issues in Parliament,” Sinha alleged.
Reacting to Gandhi’s prediction that the Modi government would not last beyond a year, the BJP leader said the government would complete its term and return to power with a clear majority in 2029.
“Sometimes he says the Modi government will fall in six months and sometimes within a year. Who is giving him these dreams?” Sinha asked, alleging that Gandhi’s statements were aimed at spreading confusion and negativity.
He further claimed that the Modi government would remain in power for the next decade, adding that the electorate had repeatedly rejected the Congress leader’s attempts to spread negativity.
(PTI News)
