New Delhi, March 18 – The BJP accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of siding with anti-India forces, citing his support for a United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report recommending sanctions on India's intelligence agency, RAW, and the RSS.
Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also demanded Gandhi's resignation, stating that "India deserves a better Leader of the Opposition."
"This issue is linked to India's sovereignty and the dignity of every citizen. Gandhi has once again shown that what he calls a 'shop of love' contains only anti-India goods. He is hell-bent on siding with forces that seek to defame India," Bhatia said.
He stated that the report should be "discarded" and questioned the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha for relying on a foreign agency.
"The first question is – why should we not throw such a report by a foreign agency into the dustbin?" Bhatia asked.
He also questioned the nationality of the vice-chair associated with the report.
"It would not be wrong to say that Gandhi is like a snake in the sleeve. This is deeply concerning. Let me add another fact: the vice-chair of this report is Asif Mahmood, a Pakistani. A Pakistani individual will not speak in India's favour, but Gandhi is speaking against India," the BJP leader said.
He praised RAW, stating that the intelligence agency has served the nation with distinction and is feared by adversaries like Pakistan.
"Rahul ji, RAW's credentials are not like yours. RAW has served the nation since its inception in 1968. Thousands of officers have dedicated their lives to the country's interests, and many have laid down their lives," he said.
He also highlighted the role of RAW in gathering intelligence during the Balakot air strike, including targeting Jaish-e-Mohammed.
Bhatia also criticized the report's recommendation to designate India as a "country of particular concern," stating that "India does not need certificates from any country. We have crores of minorities, one Constitution, and secularism is in our DNA."
He also rejected claims made in the report regarding minorities in India, stating that "This report claims minorities are being targeted in India. But look around, we have our Sikh brothers here. Ask them is there any land better than India in the world?"
Bhatia also demanded Gandhi's resignation and action from Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, stating that "India deserves a better LoP - one who loves the country and has the maturity to handle sensitive issues."