Rahul Gandhi Rebuked for China Claims!

The Supreme Court on Monday sharply criticized Congress Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi for his 2022 claims during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, alleging that China had occupied 2,000 square kilometers of Indian territory and that Chinese troops were “thrashing” Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh. The court, led by Justices Dipankar Datta and Augustine George Masih, questioned the credibility of Gandhi’s statements, asking, “How do you know 2,000 sq km of Indian territory were occupied by Chinese? Were you there? Do you have any credible material? A true Indian would not say this.” While rebuking Gandhi, the court stayed defamation proceedings against him, emphasizing that such claims should be raised in Parliament, not on social media or public platforms.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, an MP from Arunachal West, seized the opportunity to lambast Gandhi, labeling his remarks “irresponsible” and “extremely harmful” to national morale and security. Speaking to the media, Rijiju asserted, “Our armed forces, Defence Minister, and Prime Minister have repeatedly clarified that no Indian land has been seized by China, despite a longstanding border dispute.” He suggested Gandhi’s claims might stem from “Chinese sources” or be “self-created,” urging the Congress leader to provide evidence. “I hope Rahul Gandhi and Congress mend their ways after this strong Supreme Court rebuke,” Rijiju added, highlighting that such statements demoralize India’s armed forces.

The controversy traces back to Gandhi’s comments during a 2022 press conference in Rajasthan, where he accused the BJP of silence on China’s alleged aggression, particularly referencing the December 9, 2022, Tawang sector clash. Rijiju, resharing a Lok Sabha video on X, reiterated, “China has not taken even an inch of land in Arunachal Pradesh,” dismissing Gandhi’s narrative as false. The Supreme Court bench questioned why Gandhi, as a responsible opposition leader, aired such claims publicly rather than in Parliament, with Justice Datta noting, “When there is a conflict across the border, is it unusual to have casualties on both sides?”

Also Read: Supreme Court Halts Case Against Rahul Gandhi Over Army Remarks

The BJP intensified its attack, with leaders like Piyush Goyal, Kangana Ranaut, and Amit Malviya branding Gandhi as “anti-national” and “China Guru,” accusing him of undermining India’s interests. Rijiju, drawing from his Arunachal roots, emphasized the armed forces’ vigilance, stating, “In my village, I see how assiduously our soldiers protect our land.” He underscored that occasional patrolling confrontations, visible in videos, stem from an undemarcated boundary, not territorial loss.

As the row escalates, Gandhi’s planned dinner with INDIA bloc leaders on August 7 signals efforts to strengthen opposition unity amid this political storm. The Supreme Court’s caution and Rijiju’s sharp critique place Gandhi under pressure to substantiate his claims or recalibrate his approach to sensitive national security issues.

Also Read: BJP to Protest Congress’ ‘Anti-Constitutional’ Stance in Bengaluru on August 5