Rahul Gandhi’s US Visit Sparks Criticism from BJP Leaders

New Delhi [India], September 11: Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has faced severe criticism from BJP leaders following his meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during his visit to the United States.

BJP’s Accusations

Amit Malviya, head of BJP’s IT Cell, accused the Congress of working against India. He stated, “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. Even Pakistani leaders would be more circumspect about being seen with such rabid elements. Congress is now openly working against India.”

Another BJP spokesperson, Shehzad Poonawalla, also criticized Gandhi, saying, “After spewing venom against Sikhs & running down India on foreign soil, now Rahul Gandhi meets & engages with anti-India Ilhan Omar. She has introduced anti-India resolutions in US Congress, opposed the abrogation of Article 370, violated India’s sovereignty by visiting PoK on a trip sponsored by Pakistan, met Imran Khan to discuss ‘Islamophobia’ in India, and peddled hatred against Hindus. Why did Rahul Gandhi have to meet her? Why is he engaging with the most radical anti-India elements on every foreign trip? In BJP virodh – desh virodh is ok?”

Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari added, “Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Pro Pakistan Ilhan Omar in the United States of America has made it clear that he endorses Pak apologists and anti-India elements. Congress Party chooses to compromise with India’s national security.”

Rahul Gandhi’s US Visit

Rahul Gandhi is on a three-day visit to the United States, where he engaged with the Indian diaspora, students, and US lawmakers. His trip began with meetings at the Rayburn House Office Building, hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman. Attendees included US Congress members Jonathan Jackson, Ro Khanna, Raja Krishnamoorthi, Barbara Lee, Shri Thanedar, Jesus G. “Chuy” Garcia, Ilhan Omar, Hank Johnson, and Jan Schakowsky.

Sources revealed that Gandhi also met US diplomat Donald Lu and Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. He met Lu, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia, on September 9 in Washington DC, ahead of Lu’s visit to India and Bangladesh. Gandhi also interacted with officials from the US House Foreign Affairs Committee.

This visit marks Gandhi’s first trip to the US since becoming the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He expressed his enthusiasm for engaging in meaningful discussions to strengthen the bond between India and the US. In a Facebook post, he described his visit to Dallas as a great start, highlighting his dynamic and engaging interaction with students and faculty at the University of Texas.

Chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, Sam Pitroda, outlined the visit’s activities, including a full day in Dallas with events such as a student discussion, a large community event with nearly 4,000 attendees, and a community dinner. Pitroda also mentioned upcoming meetings on Capitol Hill, at the National Press Club, with think tanks, and other engagements.