Thu Dec 26 06:21:50 UTC 2024: ## BJP Accuses George Soros of Funding Anti-Modi Campaign, Sparking International Tensions

**New Delhi, India** – India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has launched a blistering attack against Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros, accusing him of funding opposition initiatives aimed at destabilizing the Modi government. The accusations, escalating ahead of the 2024 elections, have drawn unexpected criticism of the US State Department and raised concerns about domestic political maneuvering.

The BJP claims Soros is bankrolling anti-Modi media reports, citing the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) – partially funded by Soros’s Open Society Foundations and the US State Department – for investigations into the Adani Group, allegations of Pegasus spyware use, and reports on declining religious freedom. The party alleges this constitutes a “deep state” conspiracy to undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

This has led to unprecedented public criticism from the BJP aimed at the US State Department, a close strategic ally, a move analysts interpret as domestic posturing, potentially aimed at aligning with a future Trump administration’s anti-“deep state” rhetoric. The US State Department has dismissed the accusations as “disappointing,” emphasizing its commitment to media freedom and its strong ties with India.

The controversy centers around the Adani Group, facing a US indictment on bribery charges and previous allegations of stock manipulation by Hindenburg Research. The opposition Congress party has used these allegations to criticize Modi, highlighting perceived ties between the Prime Minister and Gautam Adani. Soros himself previously commented on the Adani crisis, predicting it would weaken Modi’s hold on power, further fueling the BJP’s ire.

While the BJP frames Soros as the mastermind behind a foreign-funded plot against Modi, critics argue this is a distraction from pressing issues like the ongoing Manipur crisis and India’s slowing GDP growth. The Congress party rejects accusations of foreign influence, highlighting the BJP’s strategy as a deflection tactic.

The campaign against Soros, while echoing similar right-wing narratives in other countries, notably avoids overt anti-Semitic tropes in India, instead focusing on alleged pro-Muslim bias and supposed anti-Hindu sentiment. This narrative has spread rapidly through social media and mainstream television, creating a widespread, albeit vaguely understood, perception of Soros as an enemy of India. The BJP’s attacks, analysts suggest, aim to solidify support by presenting a narrative of a “Western-backed coalition” versus a “popularly backed nationalist coalition.” The accusations against Soros and the US State Department remain highly contentious and are likely to further shape the political landscape ahead of the crucial 2024 elections.

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