Rahul slams govt over US tariffs, China dispute; Anurag hits back

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised the government over the China border dispute and the implementation of US tariffs, prompting sharp rebuttals from BJP MP Anurag Thakur.

Speaking during Zero Hour in the Lower House, Rahul accused the BJP of submitting to foreign powers, claiming it was part of their political heritage. “The question is, what exactly is happening to the 4,000 sq km of territory taken over by China?” he asked.

“I was shocked to see our foreign secretary cutting a cake with the Chinese ambassador… China is occupying 4,000 sq km of our territory. This is a known fact,” he stated.

“We are not against normalcy, but normalcy must be preceded by status quo. Our land should be restored to us,” he added.

Rahul further alleged that the Prime Minister and President had written to the Chinese leadership, but Indians were learning about this not from their own government, but through the Chinese ambassador.

“China has occupied 4,000 sq km of our land, 20 jawans were martyred and yet we are cutting a cake with them (Chinese officials),” he remarked.

On the issue of US-imposed tariffs on Indian exports, the Congress leader said, “On the other side, our ally (the US) has decided to levy tariffs on us. This will completely devastate us. What is the Government of India doing about our land, and what will you do regarding these tariffs?”

Quoting former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, he recalled that when asked if her foreign policy leaned left or right, she responded that she stood straight. “The BJP and the RSS have a different philosophy. They bow their heads before every foreign power. It’s not in their culture… But as a government, what are you doing? What are you doing about the tariffs imposed by our ally?” he questioned.

Rahul’s remarks triggered strong reactions from the treasury benches, with Thakur countering that those who spoke about India and China had themselves dined with Chinese officials in the past. “Not a single inch of Indian land has been lost to China,” Thakur asserted.

He further questioned, “During whose tenure did China take control of Indian territory? Who were the people sipping soup with Chinese officials during the Doklam standoff? Why did the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation receive funds from China?”

Thakur defended the government’s handling of the border situation, stating that Indian forces had responded effectively to Chinese actions. “Politicising this issue will not yield anything, but the Congress must answer to the people for the mistakes of the past,” he said.

He further alleged that all wrongdoings Rahul pointed out were a result of Jawaharlal Nehru’s policies and had taken place during his tenure.