Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: A heated exchange unfolded in the Lok Sabha on Thursday as Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of Chinese intrusion, accusing the Modi government of failing to safeguard India’s territorial integrity. However, BJP MP Anurag Thakur hit back strongly, invoking historical decisions made under Congress rule and questioning the party’s stance on China.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that China had occupied 4,000 square kilometers of Indian territory and criticized the government’s diplomatic gestures. “Our Foreign Secretary is seen cutting cake with the Chinese Ambassador while 20 of our brave soldiers have been martyred. Is this how we honor their sacrifice?” Gandhi asked.
He further claimed to have learned from the Chinese side that the Indian Prime Minister and President had written letters to China—information he said should have been disclosed by Indian officials, not foreign sources. Gandhi stressed that India must restore its territory along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and criticized the government for maintaining the status quo.
Responding to these charges, Anurag Thakur reminded the House of Congress’s past dealings with China. He cited the loss of Aksai Chin, questioning which government allowed such territorial concessions. Referring to the 1962 war, he said, “Back then, the slogan was ‘Hindi-Chini Bhai Bhai,’ and what did we get? A stab in the back.”
Thakur took further jabs without naming Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that during the Doklam standoff, certain leaders were busy having Chinese soup with foreign officials instead of standing with Indian soldiers. He also raised unanswered questions about alleged Chinese funding to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, asking, “Why was the money accepted and where is the accountability?”
Highlighting the contrast with the current regime, Thakur said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Indian soldiers gave a befitting reply to Chinese aggression in Doklam. “PM Modi visited the border himself to boost troop morale. Not an inch of Indian land has been surrendered,” he asserted.
Interestingly, Rahul Gandhi left the House before Thakur concluded his remarks, drawing criticism from the Treasury benches.
