The ongoing war of words between the Congress party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over Rahul Gandhi’s claims about China’s control over grazing land in Ladakh continues. In response to the BJP’s scathing attacks, Congress leader Salman Khurshid stated that if the BJP points one finger at them, four fingers point back at them. He emphasized that while the Congress can bear the pain, they won’t allow the country’s image to be tarnished.
Rahul Gandhi, who was visiting Ladakh to pay tributes to his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary, had contested Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion that China had not claimed any Indian territory. Rahul Gandhi highlighted concerns of the people of Ladakh about their grazing land being “taken over by the Chinese Army.”
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s statements, BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad accused him of defaming India and being a part of Beijing’s “propaganda machinery.” Prasad questioned Rahul Gandhi’s understanding of India’s security issues and urged him not to weaken the country’s morale with such remarks.
Prasad also pointed out the Congress’s history of questioning India’s military actions, referring to instances like demanding proof of the Balakot and Uri attacks. He mentioned that Rahul Gandhi’s past statements and actions have raised doubts about his stance on national security matters.
The BJP leader went on to remind Rahul Gandhi of China’s actions before and after the 1962 war and criticized the Congress’s approach to handling India-China relations. He referenced former Defence Minister AK Antony’s statement in Parliament about not wanting to irritate China by erecting infrastructure.
The tensions between India and China escalated significantly after the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, marking one of the most serious military conflicts between the two nations in decades.
As the verbal exchanges continue, the political landscape remains charged with differing perspectives on issues related to national security, foreign relations, and territorial integrity. The ongoing debates highlight the importance of responsible communication and informed discussions when it comes to matters that impact the nation’s image and security.
