Reality of ‘borders’ known to all: Rahul Gandhi
Defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday the government will not compromise on the country’s pride and self-respect even as Congress president Rahul Gandhi stepped up his criticism of the Centre’s handling of the ongoing India-China border row.
Addressing a BJP event online, Singh acknowledged that Gandhi and some opposition leaders have sought the government’s clarification on the developments at the border. “As the defence minister of the country, I want to say that...I will say it inside Parliament; I will not mislead the people,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Gandhi stressed that “everyone knows the reality”, less than 24 hours after home minister Amit Shah pointed out that India has shown decisiveness in protecting its borders. “The media is muzzled and terrified. The truth seems dormant. But it flows in the blood of every single Indian Army officer and soldier. They know exactly what is happening in Ladakh,” Gandhi said in a tweet. “Everyone knows the reality of the ‘borders’, but the thought is good to keep one’s heart happy,” he said in another tweet in Hindi, tweaking a couplet by Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib.
Addressing a virtual rally in Bihar on Sunday, Shah had said India’s defence policy has gained global acceptance and the world agrees that after the US and Israel, if there is any other country that is able to protect its borders, it is India.
Reacting to Gandhi’s tweets, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said: “Sabko maloom hai Doklam ke samay kiske sath chai peene ke bad aap chupana chahte the (Everyone knows with who you had tea at the time of Doklam and later tried to hide it).” During the Doklam stand-off in 2017, Gandhi’s meeting with Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui triggered a war of words. Gandhi then clarified that as an opposition leader, he held regular meetings with diplomats on critical issues.
Farmers' protest Live Updates: Heavy security deployment near Delhi's Red Fort
- The Delhi Police have registered seven FIRs in connection with the protesting farmers' tractor parade, officials said.
Actor Deep Sidhu blamed for violence
- Farm leaders alleged Sidhu — who earlier publicly aired his differences with the Samyukt Kisan Morcha — tried to defame the farmers’ stir.
Law student writes to CJI to take cognisance of Red Fort violence
- Rai stated that the incident has hurt the “country’s devotional spirit” and an inquiry is essential to determine how anti-social elements managed to enter the tractor rally.
Home minister takes stock of situation in urgent meet
- Shah directed that additional central paramilitary forces be deployed in Delhi with immediate effect and individuals and groups behind the Red Fort seize be brought to justice.
Smaller crowd, masks mark Republic Day celebrations
- While more than 100,000 people attended the parade during the previous years, with Covid-19 norms in place on Tuesday, the crowd was limited to 25,000.
Leaders condemn violence, Opposition seeks repeal of laws
- The Opposition, including the Congress, alleges that the government rushed the farm laws without proper discussion in Parliament. The Centre, however, says the reforms will lead to new opportunities in agriculture trade.
House canteen dishes out new menu, hikes prices
- The parliament canteen, now run by ITDC will offer as many as 58 items, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, from January 27.
Discussing a possible route for Amarnath via Kargil: Prahlad Patel
- Union minister for culture and tourism Prahlad Patel said government is addressing the lack of adventure sports equipment in Kargil.
Rally to langar: Peaceful stir held across 20 states
- In contrast to the violence seen in the Capital, farmers held peaceful rallies across the country to protest against the farm laws.
At Rajpath, many firsts in the shadow of a pandemic
- India put on display its war machines at a time when the country is locked in a tense border stand-off with China.
Farmers' tractor rally violence: Dark day for the Republic
Union leaders make appeal, divert blame after anarchy reigns
- The chaos and violence have raised questions about the future of the two-month-long agitation of farm unions.
Macron, Johnson and Morrison send video messages on Republic Day
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, in a letter sent to her Indian counterpart, conveyed her greetings.
Western Railway to start all suburban services in Mumbai from Jan 29
- Tuesday's decision to operate all trains comes a day after a meeting to resume local train services for all passengers was chaired by Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray.
'Farmer organisations not in control of agitation now': Haryana CM
- Khattar said that unsavoury events on Tuesday deserved to be condemned in the strongest words.