Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi’s recent meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during his visit to the United States has sparked sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who have accused the Congress leader of associating with anti-India elements. Ilhan Omar, a US lawmaker known for her opposition to certain Indian policies, including the abrogation of Article 370, has been labeled as a “Pakistan-sponsored” and “anti-India” voice by the BJP.
Amit Malviya, head of the BJP IT Cell, took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to express his disapproval. “India’s Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi meets Ilhan Omar in the USA, a Pakistan-sponsored anti-India voice, a radical Islamist, and an advocate of independent Kashmir. Congress is now openly working against India,” Malviya stated in his post.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also criticized the meeting, accusing Gandhi of aligning with anti-India forces on foreign soil. He pointed out Omar’s history of introducing anti-India resolutions in the US Congress and her visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in a trip sponsored by Pakistan. Poonawalla further questioned, “Why did Rahul Gandhi have to meet her? Why is he engaging with the most radical anti-India elements on every foreign trip?”
In a similar vein, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari asserted that Gandhi’s meeting with Omar demonstrated his endorsement of Pakistan sympathizers and anti-India elements. Bhandari said, “Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Pro-Pakistan Ilhan Omar has made it clear that Congress is willing to compromise with India’s national security.”
Rahul Gandhi’s US Visit and Key Engagements
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the US, his first since becoming the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, included a series of interactions with the Indian diaspora, students, and US lawmakers. His trip commenced with a meeting at the Rayburn House Office Building, hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman. The meeting was attended by several US Congress members, including Ilhan Omar, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, and others.
During his US tour, Gandhi also met with US diplomat Donald Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, as well as Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. He engaged in discussions focused on strengthening India-US relations, youth empowerment, and the role of women in shaping the future.
Despite the backlash from the BJP, Gandhi has described his visit as productive. In a Facebook post, he said, “My interaction with students and faculty at the University of Texas was dynamic and engaging, with thoughtful discussions on politics, production, skill-respect in India, and the vital role of youth and women in shaping the future of our nations.”
Chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, outlined the key events of Gandhi’s visit, which included a student discussion, a community event attended by nearly 4,000 people, and meetings at Capitol Hill and the National Press Club.
BJP’s “Emergency Mindset” Jab
The BJP’s criticism of Gandhi’s meeting with Omar is the latest in a series of accusations aimed at the Congress leader. The ruling party has frequently targeted Gandhi for his remarks on foreign soil, accusing him of undermining India’s image internationally. The BJP claims that the Congress’s association with figures like Ilhan Omar reflects a broader pattern of compromising national security for political gain.
As Gandhi continues his US tour, the political tensions between the BJP and Congress show no signs of easing, with both parties positioning themselves ahead of upcoming elections and international diplomatic engagements.
