Fugitives – BJP Defends Extradition Record, Criticises Opposition Over Parliament Disruptions
Fugitives – The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday accused Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi of disrupting Parliament to avoid a discussion on the Union government’s record of bringing back fugitives from overseas. The remarks were made by BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia during a press conference, where he presented the government’s figures on extradition and recovery of assets linked to economic offenders.
BJP Highlights Extradition Figures
Addressing reporters, Bhatia said that between 2019 and 2026, India secured the return of 274 fugitives from 36 countries. According to him, the numbers reflect sustained coordination between investigative agencies and international partners to ensure that accused individuals are brought back to face legal proceedings in India.
He stated that the total works out to an average of nearly 40 fugitives being returned every year. Bhatia said those who had fled the country were traced, detained through legal channels, and brought back to India, where they are now subject to judicial proceedings under Indian law.
Opposition Accused of Avoiding Debate
Bhatia alleged that the Opposition was unwilling to allow Parliament to function because it did not want these figures to be discussed publicly. He claimed that a debate on the government’s record would raise questions about why similar efforts were not made during the tenure of previous Congress-led governments.
The BJP spokesperson also criticised Rahul Gandhi’s conduct as Leader of the Opposition, saying it was the responsibility of the post holder to actively participate in parliamentary proceedings, present facts, and debate issues affecting the public. He argued that Parliament remains the appropriate platform for such discussions and accused the Congress leader of avoiding meaningful debate inside the House.
Government Cites Recovery of Public Funds
Highlighting the financial aspect of the government’s action, Bhatia said that nearly Rs 19,000 crore had been recovered from returned fugitives. He specified that Rs 18,762 crore had been recovered and restored for public benefit, describing the recoveries as evidence of the government’s commitment to pursuing economic offenders.
According to Bhatia, improved coordination between agencies, greater use of technology, and stronger political commitment had contributed to these results. He further said the government remains determined to ensure that individuals accused of serious offences cannot evade Indian law by remaining abroad.
Remarks on Prime Minister and RSS
During the press conference, Bhatia also criticised Rahul Gandhi over recent comments made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). He alleged that the Congress leader frequently targets the Prime Minister and the organisation instead of engaging in parliamentary debate.
The BJP spokesperson further claimed that statements made by Rahul Gandhi during overseas visits about India’s democratic institutions were inappropriate and maintained that political differences should be addressed within constitutional forums, including Parliament.
BJP Marks Seven Years Since Article 370 Decision
Bhatia also referred to the seventh anniversary of the revocation of Article 370, describing the decision as a significant constitutional milestone. He credited Union Home Minister Amit Shah for playing a central role in implementing the government’s decision.
On August 5, 2019, the Centre revoked Articles 370 and 35A, ending the special constitutional status previously granted to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. The move was accompanied by the reorganisation of the region into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, which has a legislature, and Ladakh, which does not.
The anniversary continues to be marked by the BJP as an important political and constitutional development, while the issue remains a subject of debate among different political parties.