Foreign Funding in India’s Electoral Processes: Sanjay Tandon Questions Influence
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Mandi, February 24 – BJP State Co-incharge Sanjay Tandon extended a warm welcome to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during his visit to Mandi. Speaking on the occasion, Tandon strongly criticized Congress’s overseas leader Sam Pitroda, calling his statements “condemnable and disgraceful.” He accused Congress leaders of consistently making anti-India and anti-Army remarks, disrespecting the sacrifices of Indian soldiers.
Referring to historical events, Tandon alleged that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru provided thousands of tons of ration to Chinese soldiers in 1952, despite Tibet facing a crisis. He claimed that Congress’s “China appeasement policy” continues today due to past dealings, including financial aid from the Chinese embassy to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation. He demanded a clarification from Pitroda on such pro-China remarks.
Foreign Influence on Indian Elections
Tandon raised concerns over foreign funding influencing India’s electoral system, citing the role of George Soros’s Open Society Foundation in financing entities connected to India’s Election Commission. He claimed that in 2011, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) signed an agreement with India’s International Institute of Election Management, which is linked to the Election Commission. He alleged that funds were funneled through the Consortium for Election Political Process Strengthening System, a network connected to Soros.
Highlighting financial details, Tandon stated that half a billion dollars were invested in India via USAID, with annual inflows of $300,000 to $350,000. He pointed out that the U.S. election system recently praised India’s voter ID system, signaling external interest in Indian electoral practices.
BJP questioned who exactly is funding India’s electoral processes and whether such funds aim to manipulate elections or create disruptions. Tandon alleged a coordinated effort between Soros, “Uncle Sam” (USA), and Congress, all echoing the same agenda.
