Synopsis
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh criticized Rahul Gandhi's comments on the Indian Army and alleged Chinese incursions, accusing him of misleading the public and engaging in irresponsible politics. Singh clarified the Army Chief's statements and highlighted historical territorial disputes, urging Gandhi to reflect on India's past.Key Takeaways
- Rajnath Singh rebuts Rahul Gandhi's claims.
- Allegations of misleading statements regarding the Indian Army.
- Discussion on historical territorial disputes with China.
- Concerns over national security and economic policies.
- Call for evidence of claims made in Parliament.
New Delhi, Feb 4 (NationPress) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday responded to the Leader of Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi regarding his comments on the Indian Army and supposed Chinese incursions, accusing him of misleading the public and engaging in irresponsible politics.
Taking to X, Rajnath Singh rejected Gandhi's assertions, stating, "In his address in Parliament on February 3, Rahul Gandhi made untruthful claims about the Army Chief's comments concerning the situation at the India-China border."
The Defence Minister clarified, "The Army Chief's statements were solely about the disruption of regular patrolling by both nations. He also noted that these activities have been restored to their conventional form as a result of the recent disengagement. The government has disclosed these particulars in Parliament."
Singh further accused Gandhi of distorting the Army Chief’s statements.
"The comments attributed to the Army Chief by Rahul Gandhi were never articulated by him at any point. It is deeply regrettable that Rahul Gandhi chooses to engage in irresponsible politics on subjects of national significance," he stated.
Addressing historical territorial disputes, Singh countered, "If there is any Indian territory that China has encroached upon, it consists of 38,000 sq. km in Aksai Chin due to the 1962 conflict and 5,180 sq. km unlawfully given to China by Pakistan in 1963. Rahul Gandhi might want to reflect on this chapter of our history."
His comments were a direct response to Gandhi's assertions during the Budget Session in the Lok Sabha, where the Congress leader claimed that, despite Prime Minister Narendra Modi's denial, Chinese forces had taken control of Indian land.
"Our armed forces are still in discussions with China regarding their intrusion. The Prime Minister has denied it, yet our Chief of Army Staff has stated that the Chinese are within our territory," Gandhi asserted in his speech.
He further claimed, "China is occupying 4,000 sq km of our land," adding, "The Prime Minister has denied it, and the Army has contradicted him."
Gandhi connected China's alleged incursions to India's economic strategies, saying, "Our Chief of Army Staff has confirmed that the Chinese are inside our territory. This is a fact. The underlying reason for China's presence is significant. The reason China is present here is due to the failure of 'Make in India.' The reason China is here is because India is hesitant to produce, and I fear that India will once again relinquish this revolution to the Chinese. If we engage in a conflict with China, we will be utilizing Chinese electric motors, batteries, and optics, purchasing Chinese components for our military needs."
His speech faced interruptions, with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla demanding proof for his assertions, stating, "You must provide evidence for your claims in the House."
