In a press conference at the BJP headquarters, senior leader Ravi Shankar Prasad rejected the Opposition's demand for a Joint Parliamentary Committee probe into the allegations against Sebi chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch. Prasad accused the Congress, Hindenburg Research, and the "toolkit gang" of being part of a conspiracy to damage India's stock market and investments. He also alleged that the main investor behind Hindenburg Research was "India hater" George Soros. Prasad's remarks come a day after the BJP accused the Congress of colluding with foreign forces to destabilise the Indian economy.
Background:
George Soros is a Hungarian-American billionaire investor and philanthropist known for his support of liberal causes. He is the founder and chairman of the Open Society Foundations, an international grantmaking network that promotes democracy and human rights worldwide.
Allegations against Soros:
On January 24, 2023, BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad accused George Soros of being the "main investor" behind Hindenburg Research, a short-selling firm that had published a report alleging financial irregularities at the Adani Group, a conglomerate owned by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani. Prasad claimed that Soros was part of a conspiracy to damage India's stock market and investments.
BJP's Claims:
The BJP has alleged that Soros, known for his criticism of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is working with the Congress party and the "toolkit gang" (a term used by the BJP to refer to opposition groups) to destabilize the Indian economy. They have accused Soros of using his wealth and influence to influence Indian politics and policies.
Soros's Response:
George Soros has denied the allegations and called them "absurd." In a statement, he said, "I have never met or spoken to anyone from the Adani Group, and I have no connection to Hindenburg Research." He added that he has "great respect" for the people of India and that his work has always been motivated by a desire to promote open and democratic societies.
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Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, along with his daughters, concluded his 11-day 'Prayaschit Deeksha' at the Tirumala temple in Tirupati on Wednesday. The deeksha was undertaken to seek forgiveness for the alleged use of animal fat in the famous Tirupati laddu. Kalyan will be unveiling a declaration at a public meeting in Tirupati on Thursday before offering meals to devotees in the Anna Prasadam complex and discussing the matter with TTD officials. He had started the deeksha on foot from Alipiri on Tuesday and launched it on September 22 at a temple in Nambur, Guntur district. The leader stated that the laddu, revered by millions, had been defiled due to the actions of the previous ruler and that seeking forgiveness was necessary for cleansing the sins.
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