The US, which is quite often accused of interference in internal matters of other countries, is once again busy defending itself on allegations of meddling in India’s parliamentary elections.
In May this year, Russian Foreign Ministry spokes person Maria Zakharova had alleged that the US was attempting to disrupt India’s polls with an aim to complicate the country’s parliamentary elections. “…The reason is the desire to unbalance the internal political situation in India in order to complicate the general parliamentary elections taking place in the country. Of course, this is part of interference in India’s internal affairs,” Zakharova was quoted as saying. This forced national security communications adviser of the WhiteHouse, John Kirby, to make a statement, saying “It’s not true! it’s a ridiculous claim”. Kirby made the remarks while interacting with the press at the White House earlier in the week. The US official, in turn, also alleged Russia’s“attempt to interfere” in the upcoming US presidential election. In recent times, it was not the first case of its kind against the US as the former prime minister of Bangladesh SheikhHasina, who resigned a few weeks ago amid protests against quotas for government jobs, had also accused the US of being involved in her removal from power. “I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of Saint Martin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech the people of my land, Please do not be manipulated by radicals,” media reports quoted her as saying.
Following the developments, the US government was forced to come up with clarification, something that has become a usual practice for the country. The White House Press Secretary KarineJean Pierre in an official statement clarified that the US has had“no involvement” and the reports doing the rounds were “simply false.” Meanwhile, Hasina, who is currently staying in India, has urged Bangladeshi citizens not to be swayed by radical elements. “I resigned, so that I did not have to see the procession of dead bodies. They wanted to come to power over the dead bodies of students, but I did not allow it, I resigned from the premiership. I could have remained in power if I had surrendered the sovereignty of SaintMartin Island and allowed America to hold sway over the Bay of Bengal. I beseech the people of my land, please do not be manipulated by radicals,”she was quoted as saying by the media reports.” Hasina, in fact, had warned the Bangladesh parliament about America’s strategy for regime change in the country in April itself, accusing the US of trying to undermine democracy and install a non-democratic government. Similar sentiments were expressed on the issue by Russia well in advance. On 15 December 2023, Russian authorities had warned that if Sheikh Hasina were re-elected, the US would use all its powers to overthrow her government, creating a situation similar to the ‘ArabSpring’ to bring about chaotic regime change. Political observers in India believe the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA, which secured 293 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, could have done far better had there been no bad influence from the foreign forces.
Some of them also criticised the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for his “unnecessary discussions” on internal matters of India in other countries.
They were of the view that no one should be encouraged to interfere in India’s internal matters.