Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticized Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi over his comments on India’s foreign policy, describing his conduct as “indecent and undemocratic” and demanding an apology.
Speaking at a press conference, Chouhan said, “I feel distressed. Democracy provides freedom of expression to everyone, but crossing lines is really painful.”
He added, “First, they did not let Parliament function. Government was ready to accept what they first demanded, but then they came out with a list. I say this as a citizen of India, the conduct of LoP was indecent and undemocratic; it crossed lines. Does this behove Congress? I strongly condemn this. He should apologize.”
Chouhan’s remarks followed Rahul Gandhi’s criticism of the Modi government’s diplomatic approach, in which Gandhi argued that India’s foreign policy should prioritize safeguarding national interests rather than relying on “mere friendships” and public displays of warmth with foreign leaders.
Addressing the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention in New Delhi, Gandhi stated, “You aren’t just visiting a friend’s house. In this role, the Prime Minister of India doesn’t engage in mere friendship. They have no interest in friendship; their job is to protect the country.”
Gandhi accused the government of “wrecking” India’s foreign policy, claiming it had failed to leverage relationships with Iran, the United States and Russia during the conflict in Iran.
He said, “War broke out in Iran. For India – had it recognized its own strength and had its leader been someone like Indira Gandhi – this presented the greatest opportunity in the world.” He alleged that Pakistan became a mediator while India and Prime Minister Modi “simply looked on.”
The Congress leader further claimed he was receiving information directly from the Prime Minister’s Office and alleged there was a “full-blown revolt” inside the government.
Gandhi also accused China of blocking Indian forces from patrolling certain areas along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh and stated that the government pressured media editors not to publish reports on the issue.
He said, “In our patrolling areas–specifically in Arunachal–China blocked us from patrolling. They essentially said, ‘Look, all that is fine–it is indeed your land–but you cannot patrol here.’ Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Narendra Modi have been completely deflated. They are calling up all the media editors, telling them, ‘Don’t publish this in your newspapers; suppress the story. They are causing direct harm to the country without a second thought.”
Gandhi criticized the government’s handling of the Galwan incident and claimed that conflicting statements about whether Indian territory had been lost had weakened India’s position in negotiations with China.
He alleged that the government’s foreign policy had been compromised for political and financial interests.