Strong decisions needed for nation's security: Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, December 31

Questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” over reports of China renaming 15 places in Arunachal Pradesh in their own language and calling the North-Eastern state as south Tibet, the Congress said on Friday, “Wise and strong decisions are necessary for ensuring the security and victory of the nation, as you cannot win with empty rhetoric.”

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “A few days ago, we were remembering India’s glorious victory in the 1971 war. Wise and strong decisions are necessary for ensuring the security and victory of the nation.”

Chief Congress spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala described the Modi government as “weak” and accused PM Modi of remaining “silent” on Chinese “threats” to India’s territorial integrity.

“As the year ends, China threatens our territorial integrity and sovereignty. China has already transgressed & occupied Depsang Plains and Gogra Hot Springs in eastern Ladakh. China has set up a village in Arunanchal. Mr 56” refuses to say a word. Weak Govt, Mum PM,” Surjewala said on Twitter.

Surjewala took the 56-inch-chest jibe in reference to Modi’s assertion during the 2014 parliamentary election campaign that he would adopt a strong policy on national security.

Later addressing a press conference here at the party headquarters, Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh wondered when the PM would “look China in the eye” and take strong steps to counter its moves. “Will our response be limited to banning Chinese apps, while India-China trade crosses the 100-billion-dollar mark,” he said. — TNS