"China Sitting Inside India...": Rahul Gandhi Blames Modi Govt for Failing to Capitalise on Production Potential

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Monday criticised the Union government’s approach to the production sector, accusing it of failing to organise and capitalise on India’s manufacturing potential. He claimed that India has essentially handed over its production sector to China. Gandhi specifically slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, describing it as a "good idea" that has ultimately "pretty much failed" due to the government's inability to effectively harness production and consumption patterns.

"We have as a country failed in organising production and handed it over to the Chinese," said Rahul Gandhi. He further argued that the failure of 'Make in India' is directly linked to China's growing presence in India. "The reason China is sitting inside this country is because 'Make in India' has failed and India is refusing to produce," he stated.

Gandhi expressed alarm at the potential long-term consequences, warning, "I am worried that India is going to give up this revolution to the Chinese once again."He further warned that, if a war with China were to occur, India would be forced to rely on Chinese equipment, adding, "If, and when, we fight a war with China, we will be fighting with Chinese motors, batteries, and optics... and we will be buying Chinese motors, Chinese optics and Chinese batteries."

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha also questioned the government's handling of foreign relations, especially regarding the invitation of Prime Minister Modi to the U.S. President's event. Gandhi remarked, "We would not send our foreign minister to the United States to get our prime minister invited to the US President's 'coronation'."

The senior Congress leader also addressed the ongoing India-China border issue, accusing China of occupying over 4,000 square kilometers of Indian territory. Gandhi asserted that the government’s claims were inconsistent with military reports, noting, "The Prime Minister denied it but the Army contradicted him... China is sitting on 4,000 sq km of our territory."

Reiterating his criticism, he cited statements from India’s Chief of Army Staff, confirming China's presence in Indian territory, stating, "Our Chief of Army Staff said Chinese are inside our territory... this is a fact."

Rahul Gandhi’s comments sparked an immediate response from the government. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju sharply criticised Gandhi, accusing him of spreading false narratives. Rijiju retorted, "How can you say this... you are speaking lies."​