BJP’s Allegations Spark High Drama in Rajya Sabha - The Rajya Sabha witnessed intense drama after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) alleged a connection between Congress leader Sonia Gandhi and Hungarian-American businessman George Soros. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju voiced concerns about what he called "anti-India forces" and urged unity across political lines. The House proceedings were briefly disrupted over the controversy.

Before the session began, Rijiju appealed to all parties, stating, "We must stay united against anti-India elements without any political bias." However, Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankar declined a discussion on the matter despite 11 notices filed under Rule 267. Dhankar stated, "Notices have been submitted to raise issues regarding a perceived threat to national security due to alleged ties between a political party and international organizations. I have decided not to admit them."

BJP’s Claims Against Sonia Gandhi

The BJP alleged that Sonia Gandhi, in her role as co-president of the Forum of the Democratic Leaders in Asia Pacific (FDL-AP) Foundation, has connections with an organization funded by the George Soros Foundation. The party claimed that the FDL-AP Foundation has endorsed views treating Kashmir as a separate entity.

"This association reveals the influence of foreign entities on India’s internal matters and the political consequences of such connections," the BJP said. The allegations have escalated into a significant political conflict, with the BJP accusing Gandhi of links to an organization that supports Kashmir’s independence.

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated his concerns about these alleged connections and called for unity against "anti-India forces." He clarified that his intention was not to interfere in Congress’s internal politics but highlighted growing questions about Rahul Gandhi’s leadership within the opposition INDIA alliance.

BJP’s History of Allegations Involving George Soros

George Soros, founder of the Open Society Foundation, has been a vocal critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The BJP has previously accused Soros of attempting to influence India’s democratic processes. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey recently questioned on social media whether Soros had financed Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra and alleged connections between Soros and Congress leaders.

In 2023, BJP leader Smriti Irani had also accused Rahul Gandhi of associating with individuals close to Soros during his visit to the United States.

Who is George Soros?

George Soros was born in 1930 into a Jewish family in Hungary. He survived the Nazi occupation and relocated to the United Kingdom in 1947. Soros funded his studies at the London School of Economics by working as a railway porter and waiter. Over the decades, he became a billionaire philanthropist and a prominent advocate for open societies, often attracting criticism for his outspoken views and financial involvement in global political causes.