Rajnath Singh Slams Rahul Gandhi’s Claims on China, Calls Remarks Misleading
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has strongly rebutted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims regarding Chinese incursions into Indian territory, calling them misleading and irresponsible. Addressing Parliament, Singh asserted that the words attributed to the Army Chief by Gandhi were never spoken and accused the Congress leader of politicizing a matter of national security.
Rahul Gandhi’s Allegations on China and Manufacturing
During his speech in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi criticized the Modi government’s handling of the India-China border issue, claiming that Chinese troops had entered Indian territory while the Prime Minister continued to deny it. He alleged that despite these denials, the Indian Army was engaged in discussions with China about its presence on Indian soil. He went a step further, stating that the Chief of Army Staff had admitted that Chinese forces had entered Indian territory.
Gandhi also took aim at the government's ‘Make in India’ initiative, claiming it had failed to boost domestic manufacturing. He pointed out that the manufacturing sector’s share of GDP had fallen from 15.3% in 2014 to 12.6%, the lowest in 60 years. He further emphasized that China had surged ahead in critical industries such as batteries, robotics, motors, and optics, gaining a decade-long lead over India. He argued that India could still catch up, provided there was a clear vision, realigned education policies, expert involvement, and strategic financial backing.
Rajnath Singh’s Strong Rebuttal
Responding to Gandhi’s remarks, Rajnath Singh categorically dismissed his claims, particularly those regarding the Army Chief’s statement. He clarified that the Chief of Army Staff had merely spoken about disruptions in traditional patrolling by both sides, which had since been restored as part of the recent disengagement process. He asserted that Gandhi had distorted facts for political gain.
Singh also provided historical context, reminding the House that the only Indian territory occupied by China was the 38,000 sq. km in Aksai Chin lost during the 1962 war and an additional 5,180 sq. km illegally ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963. He urged Rahul Gandhi to reflect on this phase of history rather than making baseless accusations against the present government.
Political Fallout and Reactions
Gandhi’s remarks sparked a heated debate, with BJP members strongly objecting and Speaker Om Birla asking him to substantiate his claims. The government has maintained that it has been transparent about the border situation and has taken significant steps to protect national security. Meanwhile, the Congress leader’s comments have reignited discussions about India's defense preparedness and the need for a long-term strategy to compete with China in the global industrial landscape.
As the political battle over national security and economic policies continues, one thing remains clear—India’s defense and manufacturing sectors will remain key talking points in the country’s political discourse in the coming months.
