A political row has erupted over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent community event in Melbourne after organisers rejected allegations by the Congress that attendees were paid to participate in the programme.

The controversy began after Congress leader Pawan Khera shared a video on social media claiming that thousands of people were allegedly hired and flown in through chartered flights to welcome Prime Minister Modi during the 'Melbourne Meets Modi' event held on July 9.

Responding to the allegations, the event organisers categorically denied any payment to attendees and described the claims as "false" and an insult to the Indian-Australian community. According to media reports, they have written to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi seeking a public apology and withdrawal of the statements.

Organisers Defend The Event

The organisers said the large-scale event, attended by nearly 30,000 members of the Indian diaspora, was funded independently by community organisations and volunteers. They clarified that neither the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Government of India nor the Australian Government financed the programme.

Addressing the issue of chartered flights, organisers said the travel arrangements were the result of months of planning, coordination and logistical preparation. They stated that volunteers spent significant time managing bookings, passenger coordination and administrative work, while many also contributed financially and sacrificed personal and professional commitments to ensure the event's success.

According to the organisers, arranging chartered flights was intended only to facilitate travel for community members and should not be interpreted as evidence that attendees were paid.

Congress Questions Crowd Mobilisation

The Congress has alleged that a large number of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) were brought to the event through paid arrangements. Pawan Khera claimed on social media that between 25,000 and 30,000 people attended after being financially compensated.

The organisers, however, rejected the allegation, stating that while political criticism of Prime Minister Modi or the BJP is part of democratic discourse, questioning the voluntary participation of the Indian diaspora unfairly undermines the community's independence and commitment.

PM Modi Addresses Indian Community

Prime Minister Modi addressed the Indian community in Melbourne during his two-day visit to Australia on July 9 and 10. During the programme, he praised India's growing global stature in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, defence and technology.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Prime Minister said India's defence capabilities had attracted worldwide attention, adding that the operation demonstrated the country's increasing military strength and credibility.

The event also witnessed a symbolic moment when attendees switched on their mobile phone flashlights at Modi's request as a gesture of appreciation for Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

India-Australia Partnership Expanded

During the visit, India and Australia announced agreements covering defence cooperation, trade, critical minerals, energy and space collaboration.

Among the key announcements was the decision to jointly develop a Critical Minerals Corridor, aimed at strengthening supply chains for strategic resources. The two countries also agreed to establish a space tracking terminal on Australia's Cocos (Keeling) Islands, which will support India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.

The visit further strengthened the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between India and Australia, with both governments reaffirming cooperation across economic, security and emerging technology sectors.

While the political controversy surrounding the Melbourne event continues, the organisers have maintained that the gathering reflected genuine participation by the Indian diaspora and have called for the allegations against the community to be withdrawn.