Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a scathing attack on the government on Thursday, April 4, accusing it of mishandling the China border dispute and the implementation of US tariffs. His remarks prompted a sharp response from BJP’s Anurag Thakur.
During his speech in the Lok Sabha, Gandhi claimed that the BJP’s actions reflected a history of submitting to foreign powers. “The real question is, what is happening to our territory?” he questioned. “We are not against normalcy, but normalcy must be preceded by a status quo. Our land must be restored to us,” he added.
The Congress MP also stated that he had learned the Prime Minister and President had written to the Chinese government, but the information had come not from Indian officials, but from the Chinese ambassador.
The Rae Bareli MP raised concerns about the India-China border situation, asserting that China currently occupies more than 4,000 square kilometers of Indian territory. He called for the restoration of India’s previous territorial positions.
“Cutting cakes with Chinese diplomats while they occupy our land amounts to nothing short of celebrating the sacrifice of our brave martyrs! Prime Minister Modi and the BJP’s foreign policy continues its spineless tradition – bowing before every foreigner, when we should be standing straight,” he said.
He further added, “When will the PM answer how the govt will get back the 4,000 sq. km. encroached by China or respond to the economically devastating 26% tariffs imposed by the United States?”
On the other hand, BJP MP Thakur accused Gandhi of making false claims in “collaboration with China,” asserting that not a single inch of Indian land had been lost. He questioned which government was in power when India’s territory was allegedly taken by China, pointing out that during that time, leaders repeatedly promoted the Hindi-Chini bhai bhai (Indians and Chinese are brothers) slogan, only for China to betray India.
Thakur also referenced the Doklam standoff, asking which leaders were seen enjoying Chinese soup with Chinese officials, instead of standing with Indian soldiers. He further questioned why the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation had accepted funds from Chinese officials.
