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China claim row: Congress questions SC, takes 'DDLJ' jab at Centre; BJP calls Rahul Gandhi 'anti-national'

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The Times Of Indiapublisher-detail-arrow
04th August, 2025 16:41 IST
NEW DELHI: A stinging observation by the Supreme Court against leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi triggered a fierce war of words between the BJP and the Congress on Monday.

While the BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of damaging national security and dubbed him “anti-national,” the Congress countered by accusing the Modi government of hiding facts on China, coining a pointed jibe—DDLJ: Deny, Distract, Lie and Justify.

The Supreme Court, while staying a defamation case against Rahul, came down heavily on his remarks over the India-China border standoff . “How do you get to know that 2,000 sq km land was occupied by Chinese? If you are true Indian, you wouldn’t say such a thing,” the top court said. It further remarked, “You are Leader of Opposition. Say things in Parliament, why do you have to say it on social media?”

The complaint against Rahul Gandhi pertained to his comment that the Chinese army was “thrashing” Indian soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh during the 2022 clash. “People will ask about Bharat Jodo Yatra... but they will not ask a single question about China capturing 2,000 sq km of Indian land, killing 20 Indian soldiers, and thrashing our soldiers in Arunachal Pradesh... Don’t pretend people don’t know,” he had said.

The Allahabad high court had earlier dismissed Rahul Gandhi’s plea challenging the summons, which he claimed was based on a complaint filed in bad faith.

Congress hits back with 'DDLJ' jibe

The Congress, meanwhile, pushed back hard, accusing the Modi government of concealing the true extent of Chinese incursions. In a post on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh accused the centre of following a strategy of “DDLJ”—Deny, Distract, Lie, and Justify—to avoid answering tough questions on the Galwan clash and the broader India-China border standoff.

“Since 15 June 2020, when our 20 brave soldiers were martyred in Galwan, every patriotic Indian has been grappling with some pressing questions. However, over the past five years, the Modi government has, instead of answering these questions, adopted a policy of concealing and diverting the truth,” Jairam Ramesh wrote.



He then listed eight questions ranging from PM Modi’s June 19, 2020 “no intrusion” statement, to alleged loss of access to 26 patrolling points in eastern Ladakh, to the soaring trade deficit with China. Ramesh said the Modi government was now trying to “normalise relations with a country that played a significant role in supporting Pakistan’s military actions during Operation Sindoor.”

Calling the government’s China policy one of “cowardice and misguided economic priorities,” Ramesh said, “The truth is that the Modi government is responsible for the greatest territorial loss India has suffered since 1962.”

Meanwhile, Congress MP Karti Chidambaram recting to Supreme Court's remark said, "I haven't read the judgment yet... Except for the government, nobody will have absolutely accurate data. We raise concerns, and it is really up to the government to verify, refute, or accept them. But to place a restriction on a member of a political party for commenting on issues of national importance, without providing any valid proof, is, in my opinion, a restriction on our democracy."



BJP accuses Rahul of siding with adversaries, calls him “anti-national”

The Supreme Court's oral remarks provided fresh ammunition to the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya posted on X, “Rahul Gandhi is now a certified anti-national.” He said, “The Supreme Court has once again reprimanded ‘China Guru’ Rahul Gandhi for making irresponsible statements concerning India’s national security and territorial integrity.”

Malviya accused Rahul of undermining India’s diplomatic interests. “His recent ‘dead economy’ jibe is just the latest in a long series. In doing so, he implicitly admitted that Russia, a long-standing ally, is struggling, while bizarrely endorsing a hostile state like Pakistan as having a robust economy. A diplomatic disaster on multiple fronts,” he added.



Malviya also claimed Rahul had received support from foreign powers during the 2024 election campaign and signed a secret MoU with China’s Communist Party. “During the Galwan face-off, when India was defending its sovereignty, Rahul Gandhi chose to receive a briefing from Chinese officials instead of Indian diplomats,” he alleged.



He further stated that Rahul Gandhi had met individuals hostile to India during his visits abroad and amplified anti-India narratives that sought to “undermine India’s global image.”

Union ministers join in; BJP says Rahul owes nation an apology

Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticised Rahul for allegedly demoralising the Army. “If you were a true Indian, you would never have made such statements,” he said, referring to the Supreme Court’s remarks. “Just being the leader of the opposition doesn’t mean you can say anything,” Pradhan quoted the court as saying.

Pradhan added, “This is the first time in the parliamentary history of the country that the Honourable Supreme Court has had to make such stern remarks against the leader of the opposition. Rahul Gandhi and Congress have a history of insulting the army—whether it’s the surgical strike or Operation Sindoor. Their loyalty lies not with the nation but with a single family. Today, the entire country is hurt by this anti-national mindset and expects an apology.”



BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also took aim at the Congress leader. “In Parliament, one must provide evidence, but outside Parliament, it's a leather mouth — say whatever comes to mind, right or wrong. The aim is not to be the leader of the opposition but to follow the agendas of China, Pakistan, and Soros to divide the country,” Dubey said.



Congress seeks focus on facts, not rhetoric

Congress MP Rajiv Shukla, responding to the row, told ANI, “This matter is subjudice. The matter has been stayed by the Supreme Court. All Rahul ji is asking from the government is to tell the truth.”

Shukla maintained that Rahul Gandhi’s questions were legitimate and the focus should remain on what the government was doing, or failing to do, at the border.


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