'Tell the truth, PM': Rahul Gandhi on if China occupied Indian land

Amid border tensions with China, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday (June 26) said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi must tell the truth on whether the neighbouring nation has occupied any Indian territory.

Pointing out that the prime minister had asserted that China has not overtaken any Indian territory, the former Congress president said that such statements from the PM will benefit Beijing, while the satellite images show otherwise.

“If you (the PM) say Indian land has not been taken by China and it has actually been taken, then China will stand to benefit,” Gandhi said.

Gandhi’s comment came in the backdrop of the recent clashes between the troops of the two countries, during which at least 20 Indian soldiers were martyred, further worsening the bilateral relations between the two Asian neighbours.

In a video message, part of the Congress’ ‘SpeakUpForOurJawans’ campaign in honour of the martyred Indian soldiers, Gandhi said that the prime minister had stated that not even an inch of Indian territory has been taken away by anyone and there has been no intrusion.

However, he said that satellite images and experts say China has occupied Indian territory at three points in eastern Ladakh. Noting that entire India is standing together behind the prime minister, Gandhi said, “We have to together fight China and throw them out.”

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“Prime Minister ji, speak up and do not be scared. You will have to tell the truth to the country. Don’t be scared to say that yes, China has taken our land and we are going to act against them. The whole country is with you,” said the Wayanad MP.

Referring to the killing of the 20 Indian Army personnel during the clashes at Galwan valley in eastern Ladakh last week, he asked the government to explain who had sent the Indian soldiers without weapons to the border.

(With inputs from agencies)