The US is reportedly trying to destabilise the government in India led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi by using the Andhra Pradesh Baptist Church and various opposition parties to push Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu out of the ruling coalition. A report by Russian news agency Sputnik has raised fears of a possible “no-confidence motion” against the NDA government, suggesting that the US is supporting groups seeking to create unrest in India.
Sputnik India
Moscow-based news agency Sputnik India recently raised concerns about a series of meetings between US diplomats and Indian opposition leaders, saying these interactions could potentially undermine India’s internal stability and political landscape. This comes at a time when India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his third-term BJP government, continues to demonstrate its considerable soft power and maintain political and economic stability in Asia.
Indian intelligence sources have raised alarm over recent interactions between US Consul General Jennifer Larson, who heads the American mission in Hyderabad, and key Indian opposition figures. On August 12, 2024, Larson met with Asaduddin Owaisi, leader of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and MP from Hyderabad.
The meeting, the second in recent weeks, sparked a backlash on Indian social media over possible motives behind it.
Thank you, MP and Chairman of AlMIM @asadowaisi for your kind hospitality and for sharing with us your informed and important views on a range of common issues and concerns. I look forward to continuing our discussions! #USIndiaFWD pic.twitter.com/WsDTVzKI0h
— Consul General Jennifer Larson (@USCGHyderabad) 12 August 2024
Larson also met with Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who is also the leader of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP).
It was an honor to meet the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Nara Chandrababu Naidu, today. I greatly admire his vision for the state and fully agree with him that the United States and Andhra Pradesh must continue to work together in such important areas as trade, technology, etc. pic.twitter.com/lHnF29Fy82
— Consul General Jennifer Larson (@USCGHyderabad) July 31, 2024
I had an excellent meeting with the Chief Minister of Telangana today @revanth_anumula on the eve of his departure to the United States to mobilize new investments. Hyderabad is home to nearly 200 US companies and continues to absorb more and more in several high-end technology sectors such as … pic.twitter.com/GAkPrvMkf7
— Consul General Jennifer Larson (@USCGHyderabad) 2 August 2024
Chandrababu Naidu and the BJP
Naidu’s support was crucial in securing a third term for Modi after the recent Lok Sabha elections as the TDP’s 16 MPs supported Modi’s coalition government. However, Naidu has opposed the BJP-backed Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Act, which seeks to regulate lands managed by Islamic waqf boards. This opposition has raised concerns in BJP circles, especially as the bill is currently under consideration by the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC).
Sputnik reported that intelligence sources have expressed concern about internal political discussions that may have come to light during talks with American diplomats, which have hinted at the possibility of a “no-confidence motion” against the government over disagreements over the Waqf law. There are also concerns that American support could potentially use the Andhra Baptist Church as a tool against Naidu.
Sputnik sources revealed that “They (American diplomats) could also use the Andhra Baptist Church, which is sponsored and funded by the American Baptist Church, to put pressure on the CBN to switch sides. The Andhra Baptist Church is currently the most important tool the CIA can use against the CBN.”
While meetings between opposition leaders and foreign diplomats are not uncommon given the strong IT ties and people-to-people contacts between Andhra-Telangana and the United States, recent developments raise serious concerns.
Why are such meetings suspicious?
Dr Abhinav Pandya, founder and director of Usanas Foundation, expressed “real concerns” about perceived US support for groups seeking to create unrest in India, citing strong perceptions in BJP-RSS circles that the US may have interfered in the Lok Sabha elections to undermine Modi’s foreign policy stance.
Pandya also suggested that foreign forces could be involved in fomenting internal unrest or political discord in India, drawing parallels with alleged US interventions in other countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh.
He stressed that while there was no concrete evidence, the widespread perception of foreign interference, particularly by US diplomats in meetings with opposition leaders, remained a cause for concern.
Sputnik’s report said US diplomats held talks with politicians and social media personalities critical of Narendra Modi’s government.
In July 2024, the US Embassy in India will announced an “Influence to Impact” program with Congress propagandist and half-truth-spreading YouTuber Akash Banerjee.
The US Embassy in India had also nominated polarizing figures like RJ Sayema as its “Equal Opportunity Officers” in the past. Ambassador”, who ironically makes fun of Hindu festivals/rituals and practices and makes anti-national statements.
