What did Rahul Gandhi say on US tariff, encroachment of land by China?

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday raised in the Lok Sabha the issue of US President Donald Trump imposing 26 percent retaliatory tariff on India and questioned the government as to what it is going to do about it. 

'China has encroached upon Indian territory'

During the Zero Hour in the House, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, claimed that China has encroached upon Indian territory. He also said that relations with this neighboring country (China) should be normal, but before that the status quo on the border should be restored and India's land should be returned.

'26 percent tariff will destroy our economy'

Rahul said, "Our partner country (America) has imposed a 26 percent tariff which will destroy our economy, our auto industry, pharmaceutical industry and agriculture will alll be affected." He said that the government should tell what it is going to do. 

US President Trump has announced a 'concessional retaliatory duty' of 26 percent on India. Announcing the imposition of duty on various countries on Wednesday, Trump had said, "India charges us 52 percent duty, so we will charge them half of it, 26 percent." 

'Foreign Secretary was cutting a cake with Chinese Ambassador'

Referring to the Chinese encroachment, Rahul claimed, "It is well known that China is sitting on our 4,000 square kilometer area. Some time ago I was surprised to see that the Foreign Secretary was cutting a cake with the Chinese Ambassador."

He alleged, "China took our 4,000 square kilometer area, our 20 soldiers were martyred, but their martyrdom is being celebrated by cutting a cake." 

The Leader of Opposition said, "It has also come to my knowledge that the Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) and the President (Droupadi Murmu) have written a letter to China. The Chinese Ambassador is giving us this information."

What else did Rahul Gandhi say?

The Congress leader said, "We are in favor of normalizing relations. But for this it is necessary that the status quo on the border is restored." He said that the government should tell what is being done to take back the land from China. 

Rahul Gandhi claimed, "Someone once asked Indira Gandhi ji whether she leans left or right in matters of foreign policy? She replied that she is an Indian and stands straight. The BJP and RSS have a different philosophy. When asked about leaning right or left, they say they bow their heads to every foreigner who comes. It is part of their culture and history."

Prakash Kumar Pandey