New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has fiercely criticized the Congress party and its Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, for comments associated with a report from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The BJP alleges that the opposition is engaged in "defaming India" and cooperating with anti-India elements.

During a press briefing in Delhi, BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia expressed his discontent, noting that the Congress had shared a post that referenced the USCIRF report, which criticized India's external intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), along with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Bhatia contended that Gandhi's assertion of operating a "Mohabbat ki Dukan" (shop of love) is deceptive and that the opposition leader is, in fact, peddling "anti-India merchandise".

"I would like to present a tweet from the verified Congress account, which underpins our press conference. An opposition party is determined to tarnish India’s image. Rahul Gandhi is aligning himself with anti-India forces," Bhatia stated.

The Congress post highlighted a recommendation made by the USCIRF to former US President Donald Trump’s administration, which suggested measures against the RSS, including a ban on the organization, asset seizures, and restrictions on its members' entry into the US.

The post also referenced the prohibition placed on the RSS by India’s inaugural Home Minister, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, after the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948.

Continuing his critique of Rahul Gandhi, Bhatia pointed out that the USCIRF report suggested targeted sanctions against entities like RAW and RSS.

"Pakistan fears RAW, and now the Leader of Opposition in India has also taken a stance against RAW, aligning with Pakistan. Isn’t this alarming?" he remarked.

Bhatia further admonished Rahul Gandhi for meeting with US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar during his overseas visits, asserting that both have made comments questioning the state of democracy in India.

"Let’s remember that when Rahul Gandhi travels abroad, he meets anti-India figures like Ilhan Omar, who claims there is no democracy in India, and Rahul Gandhi echoes this narrative," he added.

The BJP's statements followed the release of the USCIRF's 2026 annual report, which recommended that the US government classify India as a "Country of Particular Concern", alleging a decline in religious freedom.

The report indicated that religious minorities in India, especially Muslims and Christians, are experiencing increasing discrimination and violence, citing legislative actions such as the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).