New Delhi. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday claimed that Mani Shankar Aiyar’s description of the 1962 Chinese attack on India as an “alleged” invasion reflects the “anti-India” mindset of the Congress and is a signal for “enemy” countries to interfere in the electoral process here as the Opposition is set to face a “major defeat” in the Lok Sabha elections.
BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that Aiyar cannot make such a statement without Rahul Gandhi’s consent. He also targeted Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge for his “silence” on the issue. Aiyar made this comment at a book release event on Tuesday.
Narrating an anecdote at an event in the Foreign Correspondents Club, Aiyar had said, “…in October 1962, the Chinese allegedly attacked India.” However, after the controversy, Aiyar apologized for his comment and the Congress distanced itself from his statement. Bhatia said that the Congress often distances itself from such controversial comments of its leaders. He said that the opposition party should distance itself from countries like China.
He said the Congress had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China’s ruling Communist Party when the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) was in power. Bhatia said the opposition party has not yet disclosed its details.
Bhatia alleged that Rahul Gandhi can betray India but cannot go against China. He called the donation given by the Chinese Embassy to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation a “bribe”.