Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor criticized the BJP on Sunday after the U.S. dismissed the ruling party’s claims that elements within the American “deep state” were attempting to destabilize India. Tharoor described this “attack-dog” behavior as a source of embarrassment for the country.
The U.S. embassy rejected the BJP’s assertions, calling them “disappointing,” and emphasized its commitment to media freedom globally. The BJP had claimed that U.S. State Department-funded organizations and the American “deep state” were behind coordinated efforts to undermine India by targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and business mogul Gautam Adani.
Tharoor remarked on social media that the BJP seems to lack understanding of both democracy and diplomacy, prioritizing petty politics over the importance of a free press and independent civil society in a democracy. The BJP’s accusations follow Rahul Gandhi’s use of OCCRP reports to critique the Adani Group’s perceived closeness to the government.
A U.S. embassy spokesperson expressed disappointment at the ruling party’s claims and clarified that the U.S. collaborates with independent groups focusing on enhancing journalists’ professional skills without swaying their editorial choices. OCCRP, based in Amsterdam, focuses on crime and corruption reporting. In response to the BJP’s claims, the U.S. reaffirmed its support for media freedom, emphasizing its role in fostering informed public discourse and holding those in power accountable.
Recently, U.S. prosecutors charged Gautam Adani and others for allegedly bribing Indian officials to secure lucrative solar energy contracts, which the Adani Group has called “baseless.” The opposition Congress party has requested an in-depth investigation into these allegations, accusing the government of protecting the businessman. The BJP criticized the U.S. State Department, asserting that OCCRP receives significant funding from it and characterizing it as a tool for advancing deep state agendas.
