'China took 4,000 km, we’re cutting cake,' says Rahul Gandhi; BJP hits back with 'soup' jibe

Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for its handling of the India-China border issue and US tariffs, accusing them of submission to foreign interests. He claimed China is occupying 4,000 sq km of Indian territory and urged for status quo restoration. Gandhi also expressed concern over the Foreign Secretary's interaction with the Chinese envoy.

Rahul Gandhi vs Anurag Thakur in Lok Sabha. NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised the government regarding the China border dispute and US tariff implementation, prompting a response from BJP's Anurag Thakur . During his address in the Lok Sabha, Rahul asserted that submitting to foreign powers was characteristic of the BJP's heritage.

“The question is, what exactly is happening to this territory," LoP Rahul said. “We are not against normalcy but normalcy needs to be preceded by status quo. Our land should be restored to us," he added.

“It has also come to my knowledge that the Prime Minister and President have written to the Chinese. We are finding this out not from our people but from the Chinese ambassador," Rahul claimed. The Rae Bareli MP addressed the India-China border situation and said that China is now "sitting on over 4,000 sq km of our territory" and demanded restoration of previous positions.

“You have given China 4,000 sq km of land. China has taken over 4,000 km of our land; 20 jawans were martyred, and we are cutting a cake with them." Also speaking on the tariffs imposed by the United States on India, Rahul said, "On the other side, our ally has decided to levy tariffs on us.

This will completely devastate us. What is the government of India doing about our land and what will you do on the issue of tariffs," he added. Replying to Rahul, Union minister Anurag Thakur said those who talk about India and China drank soup with the Chinese, also asserting that “not a single inch" of Indian land was lost to China.

Anurag Thakur said, “During whose time did China take control of the area? Who were the people who were sipping soup with Chinese officials during the Doklam standoff? Why did the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation take money from the Chinese?" “Indian forces responded effectively to the Chinese and not a single inch of land has been lost. Doing politics on an issue like this will not yield anything, but they (Congress) have to answer to the people of the country about the mistakes of the past," Thakur said..