‘India not weak anymore, can give befitting reply’: Rajnath Singh on Congress’ Ladakh, Maldives comments | Watch

Reacting sharply to the allegations of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury—leader of Congress in Lok Sabha—that the situation in Ladakh is deteriorating day by day as vast areas of Ladakh have been occupied by China and Maldives has been running an anti-India campaign which led to the election of pro-China leader Mohamed Muizzu, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed disagreement.

Condemning the senior Congress leader’s statement, the Defence Minister said the country is not weak anymore, it has emerged strong and has the capability and strength to give a befitting reply.

“As Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury took my name, I express my disagreement with whatever he said in connection with China and LAC. I condemn this,” Singh said in Lok Sabha.

Also Read | Snapchat parent Snap to layoff 10% of its workforce in fresh round of job cuts

"I would like to assure the House that India is not weak anymore. India has become strong. If someone dares to stare at India, India has the capability and strength. to give a befitting reply...The country should not be unnecessarily defamed in the forum of the Parliament," the Defence Minister said.

Earlier today, in reply to the debate on the Motion of Thanks to the President's address, the leader of Congress in Lok Sabha questioned the Defence Minister for the situation in Ladakh and claimed that vast areas of Ladakh have been occupied.

"Not even a word on security concerns was mentioned in the President's Address. The situation in Ladakh is deteriorating day by day. I want to ask our Defence Minister to please tell us what is the situation in Ladakh. You said that the status will be restored. Day by day situation of Ladakh is worsening. 2000 square kilometre area is being occupied. Today the shepherd is unable to go there. Please ask the people of Ladakh why this happening. Why are you sitting silent? From Arunachal to Ladakh the situation is worsening," Adhir Ranjan said.

Also Read | India won't aid Canada probe on Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing till evidence shared: Report

Chowdhury further said, "When the Galwan incident took place you gave the certificate that no one entered at our place. From 2014 till now your government failed in China policy."

Invoking Swami Vivekanand, the Congress leader said he is proud to belong to the nation of universal acceptance and tolerance which has sheltered all the persecuted religious persons and refugees.

Also Read | Budget Session LIVE: PM Modi quotes Nehru, says Congress 'brings inflation'

"Swami Vivekanand proudly said to the people of the world - I am proud to belong to a religion which has taught the world universal acceptance and tolerance, which has taught the world not only the universal acceptance and tolerance but also the belief that all the religions in the world are true. I am proud to belong to the nation that has sheltered all the persecuted religious persons and refugees. That is the country that we have inherited. Now, the situation has been turning in such a rapid manner that it has created apprehensions, and fears among the minority population of our country," the Congress leader said.