Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been strongly criticized by BJP leaders after he met US Congress member Ilhan Omar in the US. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya has accused the Congress of working against the country.
“India’s opposition leader Rahul Gandhi met Ilhan Omar in the US, a Pakistan-sponsored anti-India voice, a radical Islamist and advocate of an independent Kashmir. Even Pakistani leaders will be more cautious about being seen with such extremist elements. Congress is now openly working against India,” Amit Malviya said in a post on X.
Another BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala also criticised Rahul Gandhi.
He wrote on X, “After spewing venom against Sikhs and defaming India on foreign soil, now Rahul Gandhi meets and interacts with anti-India Ilhan Omar – 1) Ilhan had introduced anti-India resolution in US Congress 2) She has been against abrogation of Article 370 3) She violated India’s sovereignty and visited PoK on a Pakistan-sponsored trip 4) She met Imran Khan and other such elements to discuss “Islamophobia” in India 5) She is playing a key role in spreading hatred against Hindus. Why did Rahul Gandhi have to meet her? Why does he meet the most hardcore anti-India elements on every foreign trip? Is anti-nationalism okay in BJP?”
Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with Pakistan supporter Ilhan Omar in the US has made it clear that – he supports Pakistan supporters – he supports anti-India elements and the Congress party wants to compromise with India’s national security.”
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met the Indian community, students and US lawmakers on a three-day visit to the US. His visit began with meetings at the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by Congressman Bradley James Sherman. Those in attendance 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 told ANI that Mr Gandhi also met US diplomat Donald Lu and Congress member Pramila Jayapal. He also met Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Lu in Washington DC on September 9 ahead of Lu’s visit to India and Bangladesh. He also interacted with Pramila Jayapal and officials of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee.
This is Mr Gandhi’s first visit to the US after becoming the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. After his arrival, Mr Gandhi said he is looking forward to engaging in meaningful discussions that will strengthen the relationship between India and the US. In a Facebook post, he described his visit to Dallas as a great start.
He said, “My interactions with students and faculty at the University of Texas were dynamic and engaging, with thoughtful discussions on politics, production, skill-honing in India, and the vital role of youth and women in shaping the future of our nations.” He also spoke about the importance of the Indian community and their role in building bridges between the two countries.
Sam Pitroda, president of the Indian Overseas Congress, had already outlined the activities of the visit, mentioning a full day of events in Dallas, including student discussions, a large community event with about 4,000 attendees, and a community dinner. Pitroda also mentioned upcoming meetings with think tanks and other events at Capitol Hill, the National Press Club.
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