Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Itanagar: Congress leaders fired back at the BJP on October 30. They accused the ruling party of softening its stance on Chinese border activity. The firestorm started after Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu told reporters that border run-ins are nothing new. He claimed the situation remains normal.
Khandu insists Indian troops have the border covered. He stated, "Transgression has happened, no doubt. But it keeps happening; it is not a new thing. Because there is no line demarcation at the border, it is not defined." He noted China refuses to recognize the McMahon Line. This line marks the border between Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary, called out the chief minister for dismissing earlier reports of incursions in Taksing. Ramesh argued the BJP is normalizing threats to national security. He pointed to ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Kapur, who reported active, ongoing confrontations along the border just last week. Ramesh claims locals have seen PLA camps on Indian soil and lost access to key patrolling points.
The criticism did not stop at the border. Ramesh attacked the Modi government over a USD 112.6 billion trade deficit with China. He claimed the government welcomes Chinese capital while local businesses suffer. He also mentioned an ongoing Supreme Court-ordered CBI inquiry into Khandu for decisions made as PWD minister between 2015 and 2025.
Khandu made his comments during a press event for the 14th International Tourism Mart. Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat attended the event. The government continues to reject Congress claims, while the BJP accuses the opposition of hurting the morale of the armed forces.
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