Supreme Court Challenges Rahul Gandhi's Comments on China-India Conflict

The Supreme Court has taken issue with Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, for his remarks on the alleged occupation of Indian territory by China following a clash in Arunachal Pradesh's Yangsi region in 2022. Congress leader and former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has come to Gandhi's defense, asserting that the opposition leader merely echoed information already publicly available and not divulged classified details.

Gehlot emphasized that concerns over Chinese incursion have been longstanding, noting that Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk has also voiced similar apprehensions. He also mentioned that Gandhi's visit to Ladakh in 2023 during the Bharat Jodo Yatra highlighted local grievances about Chinese intrusions, which the BJP government acknowledged. Gehlot stressed that Gandhi's statement aimed to prompt the government to take corrective action.

Addressing the Supreme Court's critique, Gehlot argued that the government should have presented the issue for parliamentary debate to earn public trust, especially given its urgency at the time. Recalling the sacrifices of Gandhi's family members for the nation, he described Gandhi's extensive journey across India as a testament to his patriotism. The Supreme Court's comments emerged as part of a defamation case scrutinizing Gandhi's statements on the India-China border issue.

(With inputs from agencies.)