In the midst of jubilant celebrations surrounding India’s unprecedented achievement of lunar exploration, a recent news report from the reputable Press Trust of India (PTI) has sparked intrigue. The report, titled “Hindenburg 2.0? George Soros-backed OCCRP said to be planning another ‘expose’,” has triggered contemplation over the motives of overseas detractors and their potential involvement in investigative journalism.
With PTI’s established credibility, the report commands serious consideration. The suggestion is that foreign entities antagonistic toward India and its governance, aligned with affiliated toolkit groups, might be gearing up for a renewed assault cloaked in the guise of investigative reporting.
At the core of the speculation is the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP), an entity that portrays itself as a worldwide network of investigative journalists, specializing in unveiling organized crime. However, the question looms whether the OCCRP genuinely aligns with its purported mission, or whether its façade conceals ulterior objectives.
Scrutiny of the OCCRP’s funding sources is warranted. Among its institutional donors, the Open Society Foundations of George Soros stands out – a prominent financier known for supporting radical agendas globally. Also prominently featured are the Ford Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund, and Oak Foundation. Skepticism arises concerning the real motivations of these Western institutions, as a divergence often exists between their official proclamations and their actual roles.
A historical perspective sheds light on the matter. George Soros, an influential Hungarian-born American billionaire, has demonstrated a consistent bias against India since the ascent of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014. Notably, after the ripples caused by the Hindenburg report, Soros made statements linking Modi and business magnate Adani, implying an interconnected destiny. However, as events unfolded, the report’s veracity was questioned, and the Adani stocks, which initially plummeted, rebounded. A Supreme Court-appointed committee also determined no regulatory lapse by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
The current conjecture suggests that OCCRP might be orchestrating “Hindenburg 2.0” to sow further turmoil, both politically and economically, within India. Timing is key – the OCCRP has previously synchronized its reports with pivotal Indian events. This time, as the esteemed SEBI is set to present its findings to the Supreme Court on August 29, OCCRP’s intentions may serve to amplify negative discourse.
Furthermore, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi poised to host the G20 summit, generating disarray in the political or economic realm may not align with India’s interests. The nation’s prominence on the global stage and its aspirational goals for economic growth could potentially clash with Western-influenced groups harboring differing motives.
Compounding the scenario, the Opposition INDIA coalition’s meeting scheduled for August 31 could provide a platform for OCCRP’s potential “expose” to be swiftly weaponized against the Modi government, particularly as internal strife within the coalition emerges.
The culmination of these factors points toward a concerted effort, with a sense of urgency, to influence the 2024 elections. As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar astutely observed, the election season has not just commenced within India, but has also commenced in global power centers such as New York and London. With the impending elections looming larger, the activities of Soros and his cohorts warrant close observation.
(Sanjay Singh is a distinguished journalist based in Delhi)
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein are the personal viewpoints of the author.