Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday led the Government’s counter against the Congress’ attacks over the LAC clash, with his Law and Information Broadcasting counterparts Kiren Rijiju and Anurag Thakur also hitting out at the main Opposition party and its former chief.
Singh rejected Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s contention about the government downplaying threat from China in the backdrop of latest incursion bid in Arunachal Pradesh and said the Indian soldiers have proven their valour be it in Galwan or Tawang.
He took a dig at Rahul without naming him and said, “We have never questioned the intention of opposition leaders and only held debates based on policies. Politics should be based on truth. Politics cannot be done on the basis of falsehood for a long time."
Rajnath also said, “The process of taking the society towards the right path is called 'rajniti' (politics). I do not understand the reason behind doubting anyone's intention always."
Citing the stiff opposition faced by the government in rolling out the GST (Goods and Services Tax), the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and agricultural reforms, he said the trend of opposing any decision or scheme for the sake of opposition should stop as it is not a good sign of a healthy democracy.
He was addressing the 95th annual convention of FICCI. The defence minister also said India aspires to become a superpower to ensure global prosperity, but it does not have any intention to dominate other nations or capture even one inch of land of any country, in comments seen as a thinly veiled reference to China's aggressive behaviour along the borders.
His remarks came a day after Rahul Gandhi had claimed on Friday China is preparing not for any incursion but for a full-fledged war from both Ladakh and Arunachal sides and the BJP government is sleeping.
Rijiju also slammed the Congress leader and said he is not only insulting the Indian Army but damaging nation’s image. Rijiju said, Rahul is not only a problem for the Congress but he has also become a huge embarrassment the country.
Rijiju made these remarks after visiting Yangtse area in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh where the Chinese troops tried to intrude on December nine leading to clash with the Indian patrol. Rijiju said the area is fully secured now due to adequate deployment of the brave jawans of Indian Army. A member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, he said the nation is proud of the Armed Force and put out a picture with the soldiers.