BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia sharply criticised Congress national leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, accusing him of orchestrating protests in India with the backing of foreign-based groups. He claimed Congress was not merely dissenting but actively “spreading anarchy and chaos,” drawing parallels with violent unrest in France, Spain, Albania and elsewhere.
## Allegations of Foreign Influence
Bhatia’s statements followed an investigation alleging that 101 organisations across nine countries had played roles in orchestrating, coordinating or amplifying protests worldwide—including student strikes. He specifically referenced Indian Alliance Paris and Progressive International as two entities supposedly sharing and promoting content related to Gandhi’s detention during protests. According to Bhatia, these groups have agendas that coincide with anti-constitutional movements overseas.
He suggested these organisations not only amplify social media posts but might also shape narratives in India through external coordination and funding. “If it is asked, who is the commander-in-chief of this traitor? Who is the leader of this traitor?” Bhatia asked, using these terms to challenge Rahul Gandhi’s leadership credibility.
## Parallel with Global Protests
Drawing a link between protests in India and violent incidents abroad, Bhatia referred to vandalism of historical monuments in France and instances of civil unrest in Spain and Albania. He accused Congress of aligning with a global effort to destabilize governments and erode democratic institutions.
“These threads of treachery are connecting with foreign agencies,” Bhatia asserted. He alleged that the same networks active in European unrest were helping amplify protests in India. Congress’s meeting with Progressive International at 10 Janpath in April 2025 was highlighted specifically as a sign of coordination.
## Questions Raised About Accountability
Bhatia demanded that Rahul Gandhi, along with the broader Congress leadership, clarify several things:
– What was discussed during the April 2025 meeting with Progressive International?
– Whether any form of agreement resulted from the discussions?
– What are the sources of funding for groups like Indian Alliance Paris?
– Do these groups have links to foreign entities or individuals?
## Rights vs. Overstep
While acknowledging the right to protest as fundamental, Bhatia drew a distinction between peaceful expression and what he called disruptive behaviour. He condemned vandalism, destruction of historical buildings, setting fires, raising anti-institution slogans—even within the Supreme Court premises—as going beyond acceptable democratic dissent.
## Congress-Related Critiques
In addition to the main accusations, Bhatia criticised Rahul Gandhi’s perceived alliances with international figures like British MP Jeremy Corbyn and US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. He claimed their positions on Kashmir conflicted with India’s national interest. He also questioned how Rahul Gandhi, as Leader of the Opposition, could avoid being called “anti-India” if associating with such groups.
While many claims were made, and documents cited, Bhatia acknowledged that the alleged links between Congress and these foreign entities have not been independently verified beyond what was presented in the report.
## Context & Impact
Political observers note the significance of such allegations at a time when protests sparked by anti-EC (Election Commission) sentiments are gaining ground. By comparing protests in India to the unrest seen in France and other nations, BJP is shaping a narrative that queries not just the methods of protest but also their legitimacy and origin.
With elections on the horizon, such accusations may influence public opinion by questioning Congress’s relationship with global activist networks and putting their financial transparency under scrutiny.
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