New Delhi, April 3 — Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the government of failing to protect Indian territory, claiming China had occupied 4,000 square kilometers of land.
Speaking during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, he also warned that new US tariffs could severely impact the Indian economy, demanding answers from the government.
Gandhi criticized India’s celebration of 75 years of diplomatic ties with China, pointing to Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri cutting a cake with the Chinese ambassador. “China sits on our land, and we are celebrating with them? What is happening with the 4,000 sq km they have taken?” he questioned.
He referenced the 2020 Galwan clash, where 20 Indian troops were killed, and argued that normalcy with China should be contingent on restoring the status quo. “We are learning from the Chinese, not our own government, that the President and Prime Minister have written to them,” he added.
Gandhi also raised concerns over US tariffs, warning that they would devastate sectors like automobiles, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. He recalled a statement by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who asserted that India does not lean left or right but stands firm. “The BJP and RSS bow before every foreigner,” he remarked.
BJP Responds: ‘Not an Inch of Land Lost’
BJP leaders dismissed Gandhi’s claims, asserting that China had occupied Indian land under Congress rule. BJP MP Anurag Thakur asked, “Who lost Aksai Chin? Who was having Chinese soup during Doklam? Did the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation take money from China?”
He said the Modi government had given a “befitting reply” at Doklam and boosted the military’s morale. “Not an inch of land has been lost,” he asserted.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey credited Modi’s leadership for India’s global stature. “US President calls Modi his friend, Australian PM calls him ‘boss,’ and Papua New Guinea’s PM touched his feet,” he said.
He accused previous Congress governments of ceding territory, including Tibet and Katchatheevu Island. “It is not Nehru’s country anymore. We are proud that PM Modi leads us,” he declared.
