NEW DELHI, 5 December 2024 – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the United States State Department and “deep state” elements of attempting to destabilize India, alleging collusion with opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and investigative journalists. The accusation comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of the Adani Group, which has been at the center of a corruption scandal.
The BJP’s allegations follow reports by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which focused on the Adani Group’s ties to the Indian government. The group, led by Gautam Adani, was indicted in the US in November for allegedly being part of a US$265 billion bribery scheme targeting Indian officials, claims the Adani Group has firmly denied.
The BJP has previously linked Gandhi, OCCRP, and billionaire financier George Soros to efforts aimed at undermining Modi’s government. The ruling party also cited a French media report claiming that OCCRP receives significant funding from the US Agency for International Development (US AID), and “deep state” figures, including Soros. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra reiterated the accusations, asserting that the US State Department was behind efforts to destabilize India.
OCCRP, in response, maintained its independence, stating that while it receives some funding from the US government, it operates without political interference in its editorial processes.
The BJP’s accusations come as the Indian government faces increasing pressure over the Adani controversy, with opposition lawmakers demanding parliamentary discussions. Both Modi and Adani have denied any wrongdoing in connection with the allegations.