BJP MP Sambit Patra accused the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of endorsing a report by the USCIRF that undermined India’s image.
| Photo Credit: PTI
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Tuesday (March 17, 2026) accused the Congress and Leader of the Opposition (Lok Sabha) Rahul Gandhi of endorsing a report by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) that undermined India’s image.
The report has sought sanctions on the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW).
At a press briefing, BJP MP and spokesperson Sambit Patra said the Indian government, through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), has issued a clear rebuttal stating that USCIRF did not have any credible sources and that it prepared reports devoid of any factual basis and objectivity.
“Meanwhile, the official handle of the Congress party has endorsed the March 2026 report issued by the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom…to what extent is Rahul Gandhi willing to go in his opposition to India? It is truly regrettable that, in the course of speaking out against the BJP and PM Modi, the Congress party today appears to be standing against India itself,” he said.
Mr. Patra said the vice-chairperson of the commission was a U.S. citizen of Pakistani origin and under his watch such reports were being generated to dent India’s image. He said during foreign visits, Mr. Gandhi met such “anti-India” elements.
Published – March 17, 2026 10:54 pm IST
