New Delhi, Feb 4 (PTI) – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday strongly criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for allegedly misquoting the Army Chief regarding the India-China border situation, calling his remarks "false allegations" and an act of "irresponsible politics."
Taking to social media platform X, Singh stated, “The words attributed to the Army Chief by Shri Rahul Gandhi were never spoken by him at any time. It is a matter of deep regret that Shri Rahul Gandhi should indulge in irresponsible politics on matters of national interest.”
The controversy erupted following Gandhi’s speech in the Lok Sabha on Monday during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. The Leader of Opposition had claimed that while the Chinese have intruded into Indian territory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has denied such occurrences. Gandhi further alleged that the Army has contradicted the Prime Minister’s stance.
“The PM has denied that Chinese forces are inside our territory, but for some reason, our Army keeps engaging in talks with China regarding their entry into our land. Our Chief of Army Staff has himself stated that the Chinese are inside our territory,” Gandhi said, sparking strong protests from the treasury benches.
Singh countered these claims, asserting that Gandhi’s statements were misleading. “Rahul Gandhi in his speech in Parliament on February 3, 2025, made false allegations about the Army Chief’s statement on the India-China border situation,” he said.
Clarifying the Army Chief’s remarks, Singh stated that the reference was to disruptions in traditional patrolling by both India and China, which have now been restored to their original patterns following recent disengagements. He emphasized that the government has been transparent in sharing these details in Parliament.
The Defence Minister also pointed out that if any Indian territory is under Chinese occupation, it dates back to historical conflicts. “If at all there is Indian territory occupied by China, then it is 38,000 sq km in Aksai Chin due to the 1962 conflict, and 5,180 sq km was illegally ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963—both events occurred when the Congress was in power,” Singh remarked, urging Gandhi to reflect on this historical context.
Meanwhile, some BJP leaders are considering initiating a breach of privilege motion against Gandhi for his remarks on multiple issues raised during his speech. However, the final decision rests with the party leadership.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political friction over national security and the India-China border situation, with both sides holding firm to their positions.
Taking to social media platform X, Singh stated, “The words attributed to the Army Chief by Shri Rahul Gandhi were never spoken by him at any time. It is a matter of deep regret that Shri Rahul Gandhi should indulge in irresponsible politics on matters of national interest.”
The controversy erupted following Gandhi’s speech in the Lok Sabha on Monday during the discussion on the Motion of Thanks on the President's Address. The Leader of Opposition had claimed that while the Chinese have intruded into Indian territory, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has denied such occurrences. Gandhi further alleged that the Army has contradicted the Prime Minister’s stance.
“The PM has denied that Chinese forces are inside our territory, but for some reason, our Army keeps engaging in talks with China regarding their entry into our land. Our Chief of Army Staff has himself stated that the Chinese are inside our territory,” Gandhi said, sparking strong protests from the treasury benches.
Singh countered these claims, asserting that Gandhi’s statements were misleading. “Rahul Gandhi in his speech in Parliament on February 3, 2025, made false allegations about the Army Chief’s statement on the India-China border situation,” he said.
Clarifying the Army Chief’s remarks, Singh stated that the reference was to disruptions in traditional patrolling by both India and China, which have now been restored to their original patterns following recent disengagements. He emphasized that the government has been transparent in sharing these details in Parliament.
The Defence Minister also pointed out that if any Indian territory is under Chinese occupation, it dates back to historical conflicts. “If at all there is Indian territory occupied by China, then it is 38,000 sq km in Aksai Chin due to the 1962 conflict, and 5,180 sq km was illegally ceded by Pakistan to China in 1963—both events occurred when the Congress was in power,” Singh remarked, urging Gandhi to reflect on this historical context.
Meanwhile, some BJP leaders are considering initiating a breach of privilege motion against Gandhi for his remarks on multiple issues raised during his speech. However, the final decision rests with the party leadership.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political friction over national security and the India-China border situation, with both sides holding firm to their positions.
