Why BJP is Playing the Role of No. 1 Opposition in Parliament, Raising Soros ‘Link’ to Corner Congress

Introduction: Why BJP is Playing the Role of Opposition in Parliament, Raising Soros ‘Link’ to Corner Congress

In a surprising turn of events, the BJP has taken on the role of the opposition in Parliament, raising allegations of ties between the Congress leadership and billionaire George Soros. This move comes a day after the INDIA bloc submitted a notice to remove Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar from office, who also serves as the ex-officio Rajya Sabha chairman.

Allegations and Counter-Allegations

The BJP has alleged that the Gandhi family’s connections with Soros extend beyond the Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia-Pacific, a non-profit organization co-chaired by Sonia Gandhi. In a post on ‘X’, the BJP claimed that Soros maintained extended correspondence with Fori Nehru, a Hungarian married to Jawaharlal Nehru’s cousin B.K. Nehru. The BJP also cited a 2009 report by The Indian Express on Soros’s visit to India, during which he met Fori Nehru in Kasauli.

In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the House J.P. Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju raised the issue, leading to an adjournment. The Congress, in a bid to counter these allegations, held a press conference where they claimed that economist Shamika Ravi, a member of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, received a grant from the Open Society Foundation funded by Soros. Ravi dismissed these charges, stating that the funding was for the Indian School of Business (ISB) where she was an assistant professor.

Congress’s Response

The Congress also questioned why the Modi government did not act against Soros’s business interests in India or seek his extradition from the US if he was carrying out an ‘anti-India’ agenda. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate pointed out that Soros’s Open Society Foundations receive funding from the UN Democracy Fund, to which India is the fourth-largest donor. She highlighted that India has contributed $900,000 to the UN Democracy Fund over the last eight years.

Amit Malviya, in-charge of BJP’s IT department, responded by claiming that most of these funds were sanctioned during the UPA-era. He argued that India’s contributions to the UN Democracy Fund do not directly fund Soros, drawing an analogy to aid provided by India and Pakistan to Turkey during an earthquake.

BJP’s Dual Role in Parliament

With the Winter Session of Parliament set to conclude on 20 December, the BJP has been playing the role of both the ruling party and the opposition by forcing adjournments in the Rajya Sabha. This strategy comes against the backdrop of allegations against the Congress of having ties with Soros and the INDIA bloc’s notice to remove Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar from office.

In the Lok Sabha, the Congress adopted a different strategy, possibly under pressure from allies. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi met Speaker Om Birla to discuss the smooth functioning of the House. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha resumed with Chairman Dhankhar allowing Rijiju to speak on the Soros allegations. Rijiju accused the Opposition of maintaining a “facade to protect the likes of the Gandhi family which has ties to George Soros.”

Political Dynamics at Play

Rijiju reiterated Dhankhar’s background, alleging that the Opposition seeks to humiliate the Vice President both inside and outside the House. This was followed by sloganeering, after which Deputy Chairman Harivansh allowed Leader of the House Nadda to speak. Nadda emphasized that the issue concerns internal security and sovereignty, accusing the Congress of trying to deviate the nation’s attention by bringing a no-confidence motion.

Sensing the motive of the Treasury Benches, the Opposition adopted a different strategy: cornering the chairman for ‘favoring’ the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha and stating that it wants the Lok Sabha to function so members can raise issues other than the US indictment of Gautam Adani.

Conclusion: BJP’s Strategic Move

A BJP parliamentarian told ThePrint, “After its defeat in Maharashtra and Haryana, Congress was planning to mount a spirited campaign to corner the government over Adani and Manipur, but party leaders decided not to give the Opposition any chance to set the narrative. Normally, the Opposition forces an adjournment but for three days now it was the Treasury Benches which cornered the Opposition.”

As the Winter Session of Parliament progresses, the BJP’s strategy of playing the role of the opposition highlights the complex political dynamics at play, with both parties maneuvering to gain the upper hand.