'Why is there no economic response to China's military hostility': Sonia Gandhi attacks Centre

New Delhi: Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at the government for not allowing a discussion on the India-China border issue in Parliament, saying silence on matters of serious concern has become its defining feature. Addressing party MPs at the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the central hall of Parliament, she said when facing a significant national challenge, it has been the tradition in our country to bring Parliament into confidence. A debate can shed light on several critical questions, she said.

"Why is China emboldened to continually attack us? What preparations have been made to repel these attacks, and what more needs to be done? What is the Government's policy to deter China from future incursions? Given that we continue to have a severe trade deficit with China, importing far more than we export, why is there no economic response to China's military hostility? What is the government's diplomatic outreach to the global community," she asked.

कांग्रेस संसदीय दल की अध्यक्ष श्रीमती सोनिया गांधी जी की अध्यक्षता में आज CPP की बैठक संसद भवन के सेन्ट्रल हॉल में संपन्न हुई। pic.twitter.com/bGrJBH9TAh

— Congress (@INCIndia) December 21, 2022

Indian and Chinese troops clashed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 and the face-off resulted in "minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides", according to the Indian Army

Noting that a frank discussion strengthens the nation's response, Gandhi said it is the duty of the government of the day to inform the public and explain its policies and actions.

"This refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on such a matter of grave national concern - shows disrespect for our democracy, and reflects poorly on the Government's intentions. It demonstrates its inability to bring the nation together. On the contrary, by following divisive policies, by spreading hatred and targeting some sections of our society, the government makes it harder for the country to stand up as one against foreign threats," she said.

"Such divisions weaken us and make us more vulnerable. At times like this it must be the government's endeavour and responsibility to unite our people, not divide them as it has been doing these past several years," Gandhi said at the meeting.

"Unfortunately, silence on matters of serious concern has become the defining feature of this government's tenure. While blocking debate, the Government is also actively engaged in targeting the opposition and any questioning voices, manipulating the media and undermining the institutions which stand in their way. This is happening not only in the Centre but also in every state where the ruling party governs," she charged.

Gandhi also accused the government of making an effort to reduce the standing of the judiciary in the eyes of the public.

"A troubling new development is the calculated attempt underway to delegitimise the judiciary. Ministers -- and even a high constitutional authority -- have been enlisted to making speeches attacking the judiciary on various grounds. It is quite clear that this is not an effort to provide reasonable suggestions for improvement. Rather, it is an effort to reduce the standing of the judiciary in the eyes of the public," the former Congress chief also said.

Opposition protests in Parliament complex, demands discussion on India-China border tensions

Meanwhile, leaders of various opposition parties staged a protest near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in the Parliament complex on Wednesday to demand a discussion on the border tensions between India and China.

The protest was led by Sonia Gandhi.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and party leader in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, among others, took part in the protest.

MPs of around 12 other opposition parties including CPI, CPI-M, RJD, JDU, Shiv Sena, DMK and NCP also joined the protest and raised slogans against the government.

They said the government will have to answer questions in Parliament on transgressions by China and demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi break his silence on the issue.

संसद का सत्र 15 दिनों से चल रहा है।

देश और जनता के मुद्दे- राष्ट्रीय सुरक्षा, चीनी अतिक्रमण, महंगाई, बेरोजगारी पर सरकार बहस करने से भाग रही है।

क्या मोदी सरकार, देश के 135 करोड़ लोगों के प्रति जवाबदेह नहीं?

संसद में चर्चा करिए, ताकि पूरा देश एकसाथ चुनौती का मिलकर मुकाबला करे। pic.twitter.com/mzV6nvS0Jw — Congress (@INCIndia) December 21, 2022

Opposition parties have been demanding a discussion on the India-China border tensions and the latest Chinese transgressions since the Winter Session started on December 7.

Several Opposition MPs have given adjournment notices in both Houses of Parliament, seeking a discussion on the issue.