The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Indian National Congress of collaborating with foreign entities to foster an anti-India narrative, leveraging social media accounts based in various countries. Addressing the press on Thursday, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra claimed that the Congress party, led by Rahul Gandhi, is utilizing foreign-based social media accounts to undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the BJP, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Patra presented evidence indicating that numerous social media accounts operating from countries including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States are engaged in anti-BJP and anti-Modi campaigns. He specifically pointed to accounts allegedly disparaging the Election Commission, the BJP-RSS, and Prime Minister Modi, with a focus on allegations of "vote chori" (vote theft). According to Patra, these accounts are attempting to demean Indian constitutional authorities on the global stage.
The BJP spokesperson highlighted the new location-tracking features on the social media platform X, which he said revealed the foreign origins of many accounts linked to Congress leaders and supporters. He alleged that Congress leader Pawan Khera's account was based in the U.S., while several regional Congress accounts were linked to other countries, raising questions about the legitimacy and motives behind these activities. Patra further claimed that these accounts are part of a coordinated campaign, running since 2014, to malign Prime Minister Modi and tarnish India's image, with support from "foreign powers". He also accused Rahul Gandhi of attempting to incite civil unrest within India.
In response, the Congress party has dismissed the BJP's accusations as a diversion tactic to distract from pressing issues facing the Modi government. The Congress also pointed out that the X platform had acknowledged a technical glitch with regard to user locations. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate countered by stating that several BJP-linked accounts, including the Gujarat BJP's X account, are also being operated from foreign locations and asked whether they were all indulging in “anti-India narrative”. Shrinate alleged that the BJP is attempting to discredit questions being raised about "vote chori", faulty voter lists, and other critical issues.
The accusations come at a time of heightened political activity, with upcoming elections and ongoing debates surrounding electoral processes. The BJP's claims have added a new layer of complexity to the political landscape, raising questions about the role of social media and foreign influence in shaping domestic narratives. The Congress party has yet to provide an official response to the specific allegations made by Sambit Patra.
