BJP accuses US State Department of attempting to destabilise India
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the US State Department and "deep state" elements within the US of attempting to destabilise India in collaboration with investigative journalists and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. This allegation comes as a surprise given the strong ties New Delhi and Washington have developed over the past two decades, with both countries expressing a commitment to further strengthening their relationship despite certain differences.
The BJP claims that Gandhi's Congress party is using reports from the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), which has focussed on the Adani Group's alleged connections with the Indian government, to undermine Prime Minister Narendra Modi. OCCRP's articles have also accused Indian state-sponsored hackers of using Pegasus spyware to target government critics, a claim the Indian government has denied.
The BJP's accusations were based on a French media report that suggested OCCRP receives significant funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and other "deep state" figures like financier George Soros. BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra reinforced the claims during a media briefing, alleging that OCCRP serves as a tool for advancing a destabilisation agenda orchestrated by the US State Department.
A spokesperson for the US State Department responded, stating that while the US government supports the professional development of journalists, it does not influence editorial decisions of funded organisations. OCCRP, in turn, denied the accusations, maintaining its editorial independence.
The BJP's criticism comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the US indictment of Gautam Adani and his alleged ties with the Indian government, which has led to significant political debate within India. Both Adani and the ruling party have denied any wrongdoing.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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Defamatory post against Dharmasthala Veerendra Heggade: Case registered against Girish Mattannavar
Belthangady: A case has been registered at Dharmasthala police station against Girish Mattannavar over a complaint regarding alleged defamatory posts on social media against Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala.
The complaint was filed by Subrahmanya Prasad, a resident of Dharmasthala.
The complainant stated that Mattannavar posted content on Instagram making allegations against Dr. Heggade and allegedly affecting his reputation.
Based on the complaint, a case was registered under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which is related to spreading false information, rumours, or alarming news, on April 18, and the investigation is in progress.
Following information about Mattannavar’s appearance at the SIT office on May 7, a police officer from Dharmasthala police station issued a notice directing him to appear at the station within a week.
