India-China Tawang clash | Kharge: why connect border dispute and Rajiv Gandhi Foundation?

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge has said that the Opposition is not satisfied with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's reply on border clashes in Tawang.

He has also rubbished claims by Home Minister Amit Shah that Congress disrupted Parliament because of charges against Rajiv Gandhi foundation.

The clash in Tawang sector snowballed into a major issue on Tuesday with the Congress accusing the government of hiding the truth and staging a walkout in both houses of Parliament even as Home Minister Amit Shah claimed the reason behind disruptions was a question on cancellation of FCRA registration of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

Also watch: India-China Tawang clash: Opposition MPs stage walkout after denial of discussion on LAC fight

Several opposition members of the CPI, CPI-M, Shiv Sena, RJD, SP and JMM joined the Congress members in staging walkout from both the houses.

The Opposition led by the Congress alleged that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's statement in Parliament on the Sino-India border clash was "incomplete" and demanded the government discusses the issue in Parliament.

The opposition party also alleged that national security and territorial integrity are being impinged upon by brazen Chinese transgressions as the government remains a "mute spectator".

It further accused the government of "diplomatic failure" and said that is why China is indulging in such clashes along the border.

The party claimed the Centre was diverting public attention by raising other issues like cancellation of FCRA registration of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said every Indian deserves to know the truth on what is happening at the border and that is why his party has demanded a discussion on the same in Parliament.

Congress spokesperson Gaurav Gogoi said under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has lost its pre-eminent position in Southeast Asia and that the prime minister hides behind its ministers whenever an issue of national security comes up.

Kharge said despite the demand to ensure status quo ante as of April 2020, China has refused to vacate our territory and has been deliberately taking shelter behind the statement of the prime minister dated June 20, 2020, saying that no one has entered into our territory. Even the ongoing talks with the Chinese for a push back from our territory have come to a standstill, he said.

(With PTI inputs)