The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday lashed out at the Congress, citing reported remarks by Indian Overseas Congress leader Sam Pitroda 'downplaying' the threat posed by China to India.
The ruling party alleged that his comments align with the opposition party's "pro-China" stance.
Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi asserted that Pitroda's statements reflect the Congress' mindset.
"He has openly acknowledged the Congress agreement with China's ruling party," Trivedi said.
Pitroda was reported to have remarked that he does not understand the threat India faces from China, suggesting that it is often exaggerated.
Criticising the comments, Trivedi said, "It is a blow to India's prestige," adding that Pitroda's remarks give the impression that "India is the aggressor" in its tensions with China.
The BJP leader also raised the issue of alleged foreign funding from a US-based organisation aimed at increasing voter turnout in India.
Also read: Delhi polls: BJP uses Pitroda's comments to attack Cong
Additionally, he mentioned the ruling party's allegations against Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi regarding links to a Pakistani national.
"There is no escape route for the Congress now," Trivedi declared, demanding that the opposition party issue a clarification.
In response to the then-Chief Election Commissioner S Y Quraishi's denial of the report suggesting that a US agency's funds were used to boost voter turnout during his tenure, Trivedi downplayed his comments.
He maintained that the approval was given under the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government and, therefore, the onus lies with the then-ruling coalition to clarify the matter.
The BJP has intensified its attack on the Congress over what it describes as "anti-India" stances and is demanding clear answers on the party's alleged ties and associations.
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