Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and ruling BJP exchanged sharp words in the Lok Sabha on Thursday after the former claimed that China had taken over 4,000 square kilometre (sqkm) of Indian territory. He also said reciprocal tariffs or import duties imposed by the US would "completely devastate" the Indian economy and demanded answers from the government over these issues.
The BJP hit back at Rahul Gandhi over his remarks during the Zero Hour saying "not an inch of land" had been given to China under BJP rule and it was under Congress rule that China had occupied Indian territory.
The ruling party also said it is the country’s good fortune that the Prime Minister of this country is Narendra Modi before whom the world bows.
Speaking during the Zero Hour, Gandhi slammed the government over the celebration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties by India and China.
"China is sitting on 4,000 square kilometre of our territory. I was shocked some time back to see that our foreign secretary (Vikram Misri) was cutting a cake with the Chinese ambassador. The question is -- what exactly is happening to this territory of 4,000 sq km that China has taken?" the former Congress president said. Referring to the Galwan incident, Gandhi said 20 jawans were martyred in 2020.
He said foreign policy is about managing external countries and pointed out that on one hand, "you have given China 4,000 sq km of our land", and on the other hand our ally US has suddenly decided to impose tariffs on us.
He said the tariffs imposed by the US are going to "completely devastate" the Indian economy, particularly sectors like the auto industry, pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
Speaking during the Zero Hour, BJP MP Anurag Thakur hit back at Rahul Gandhi, asking under whose rule did China occupied Aksai Chin area.
"They kept talking about Hindi-Chini bhai bhai and stabbed us in the back. Who was the leader that was having Chinese soup with Chinese officials at the time of Doklam and did not stand with the people of the Indian army.
Which is the foundation which took money from Chinese officials. Question has not been answered whether Rajiv Gandhi foundation had taken that money or not, for what was the money taken?" Thakur said.
"Under Modi government, we can say the Indian army gave a befitting reply during Doklam. The Prime Minister went to the border and boosted the morale of the armed forces. The defence minister also went...Not even a single inch of land anybody has been able to take. Some people level false allegations while colluding with China for their political advantage," he said, hitting out at Rahul Gandhi.
Another BJP MP Nishikant Dubey said it is the country’s good fortune that the Prime Minister of this country is Narendra Modi before whom the world bows.
