BJP MP Sambit Patra accused the Congress and Rahul Gandhi of supporting the USCIRF report which 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 supporting the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) report that undermined India’s image.
The report demanded sanctions against the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Research & Analysis Wing (RAW).
BJP MP and Spokesperson Sambit Patra said in a press briefing that the Government of India through the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a clear rebuttal that USCIRF had no credible sources and had prepared reports lacking any factual basis and objectivity.
“Meanwhile, an official representative of the Congress Party endorsed the March 2026 report issued by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom…how far is Rahul Gandhi willing to go in his opposition to India? It is truly unfortunate that in the course of speaking out against the BJP and Prime Minister Modi today, the Congress Party seems to be opposing India itself,” he said.
Mr. Patra said that the vice-chairman of the commission was an American citizen of Pakistani origin and under his watch such reports were generated which damaged India’s image. He said that during foreign visits, Mr. Gandhi had come across such “anti-India” elements.
Published – 17 March 2026 22:54 IST
