Mon Dec 09 23:28:01 UTC 2024: ## Rijiju Accuses Tharoor of Soros Ties Amidst Bitter BJP-Congress Clash

**New Delhi** – A bitter war of words erupted between Union Minister Kiren Rijiju and Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, escalating a broader conflict between the BJP and Congress over alleged foreign interference in Indian politics. Rijiju publicly shared a 2009 tweet where Tharoor referred to billionaire George Soros as an “old friend,” linking this to recent BJP accusations of Congress colluding with Soros-funded organizations to undermine India’s sovereignty.

Rijiju accused Tharoor of prioritizing personal allegiances over national interests, stating, “No need to act as if you are on the payroll of George Soros.” He condemned what he called sycophancy towards those who view India as a “third-world begging country.”

Tharoor, in turn, had earlier criticized the BJP for its allegations of US deep-state interference, calling their accusations “baseless” and damaging to India’s reputation. He accused the BJP of acting as an “attack dog,” undermining democracy and diplomacy, and damaging India’s relations with key foreign allies.

The BJP’s allegations center on the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), a media outlet investigating crime and corruption, which the BJP claims is funded by entities like the US State Department and Soros, and is working with Congress to destabilize the government. These claims were fueled by a French media report, although the US embassy and the French outlet, Mediapart, have both denied the BJP’s interpretation of their findings. Mediapart strongly condemned the BJP’s “misuse” of its investigation.

Congress countered that the BJP’s accusations are a deflection from domestic issues, including the Adani Group controversy and the Manipur crisis. The public spat highlights the increasingly tense political climate in India, with accusations of foreign interference adding fuel to the already fiery debate.

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