Rajnath Singh said he was particularly upset that the comments came from the Lok Sabha LoP. Defence minister Rajnath Singh has hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government’s foreign policy, calling them “petty and condemnable” and warning that such language could damage democratic discourse.Singh said he was particularly upset that the comments came from the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He accused Gandhi of lowering the dignity associated with the post and questioned whether such conduct was appropriate for someone holding a key constitutional position.”The remarks made by LoP Rahul Gandhi on PM Narendra Modi and India’s foreign policy yesterday are petty and condemnable. It is painful for me personally, too. In my long political life, I had never seen such indecent and unimaginable conduct from any LoP. Such conduct is a grave sign of a threat to a healthy democracy,” Singh said.The defence minister also defended Modi’s record as Prime Minister and his standing abroad, while arguing that political differences should not lead to what he described as disrespectful remarks.”Rahul Gandhi might have frustration with PM in his mind, but such indecent remarks are unacceptable, especially when PM Modi has been a Prime Minister who has brought prestige to India nationally and internationally, and paved the way for Viksit Bharat. “”In 12 years, working with full dedication, he did not take any leave. Such indecent remarks against such a PM pain every Indian,” he said.Singh then turned his criticism towards the Congress, questioning whether the party could continue to claim the legacy of several of India’s prominent leaders after Gandhi’s remarks.”I would also like to humbly tell the Congress party that after such language and conduct, can they have any claim over the legacy of Lal-Bal-Pal and Gandhi, Patel and Nehru, from Subhas Babu to Rajendra Babu and Shastri ji and Narasimha Rao ji to Pranab Mukherjee?” Rajnath Singh said.He further accused Gandhi of not only targeting Modi but also damaging India’s image and the dignity of the Leader of Opposition’s office.”With this conduct, Rahul Gandhi has not only insulted PM Narendra Modi but also the international prestige of India. He has shredded the dignity of the post of Lok Sabha LoP. I cannot even imagine that someone with the Gandhi surname can make such a shameful remark.”The exchange followed remarks made by Gandhi at the Congress’s Rachnatmak Congress National Convention in New Delhi on Thursday.Gandhi criticised the government’s approach to foreign policy and argued that India’s international relations should be driven by national interest rather than personal relationships between political leaders.”I don’t know where it came from; this idea got into their heads. I don’t know who put it there or where it came from, the idea that foreign policy means hugging politicians. I was young. We went to America. Since we’re talking about expressions, I’ll share this. We went to America. I was twelve years old. Priyanka, myself, my mother, and my grandmother – my grandmother was the Prime Minister. There was a state dinner – an official dinner. My grandmother and mother went to the official dinner,” he said.He added, “You aren’t just visiting a friend’s house. In this role, the Prime Minister of India doesn’t engage in mere friendship. They have no interest in friendship; their job is to protect the country.”Gandhi also accused the Modi government of damaging India’s foreign policy, using the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel as an example.”War broke out in Iran. For India – had it recognised its own strength and had its leader been someone like Indira Gandhi–this presented the greatest opportunity in the world. What kind of opportunity? Iran was our old friend, America was our friend, and Russia was our friend. We could have stepped up, become relevant, and leveraged these friendships. But what actually happened? Nothing of the sort. Instead, Pakistan stepped in and took our place; Pakistan became the mediator, while India and Modi-ji simply looked on,” he said.Rahul Gandhi claimed he receives “information directly from Modi ji’s office these days; there is a full-blown revolt going on inside”.He also referred to certain claims in videos on social media about China’s actions concerning patrolling along the LAC in a border area of Arunachal Pradesh.He also raised allegations concerning Chinese activity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and accused the government of pressuring the media not to report certain claims.”In our patrolling areas–specifically in Arunachal–China blocked us from patrolling. They essentially said, ‘Look, all that is fine–it is indeed your land–but you cannot patrol here.’ Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Narendra Modi have been completely deflated. They are calling up all the media editors, telling them, ‘Don’t publish this in your newspapers; suppress the story.’ They are causing direct harm to the country without a second thought,” he said.Gandhi also revisited the dispute over India’s handling of the border situation with China following the Galwan clash.Join conversationView All Comments →Share your thoughts in the commentsInsightfulAgreeDisagreeSkepticalConcerningPromisingWorth ReadingBig DevelopmentPost CommentBe respectful · TOI community guidelinesHe alleged that conflicting statements about whether Indian territory had been lost weakened India’s position during negotiations with China.”After the Galwan incident, the Prime Minister held a meeting–a Zoom call. He stated that China hadn’t taken a single inch of Indian territory. The Army said that our land had been taken. Just think about the message sent to China: Chinese negotiators asked our negotiators, ‘What nonsense are you talking about? Your own Prime Minister said no land was lost.’ So, internally, they have destroyed the country; they have wrecked our foreign policy. And they did all of this solely to finance their political structure, to secure funds from Adaniji,” he alleged.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBomb Threat Email Targets Delhi Courts, Airport, Metro Ahead Of August 15; Security Checks BeginCM Vijay Urges PM Modi To Keep Lok Sabha Strength At 543, Opposes Population-Based DelimitationThey Want To Disturb Punjab’s Peace’: Sukhbir Badal Flags Larger Conspiracy After Nanded Attack’The Great Transshipment Scam’: India Among 40 Nations Aiding China’s Tarrif Evasion, Says USUttarakhand Tunnel Landslide: 7 Workers Dead, 1 Missing; Rescue Operations Continue in Chamoli‘RSS Vs Congress Govt’: Karnataka Cabinet Clears Bill To Curb Events At Public Spaces‘Peaceful Revolution’ Needed: Sonam Wangchuk Seeks New Leaders To Transform India Before 2047Air India Tightens Pilot Safety Checks After AI2379 Altitude Loss And Positive Marijuana TestJPSC-JSSC Stir Enters Day 20: Police Book 600 After Assembly March, Students Refuse To Back DownAkali Dal chief Sukhbir Singh Badal Near Hazur Sahib Gurdwara, Assailant Uses Sharp Weapon | Watch123Photostories10 unusual baby girl names with fascinating historical roots10 naturally tricolour Indian foods to make this Independence DayInside Ruhaanika Dhawan’s luxury home: A massive living room, elegant decor and moreWhat happens to your brain when you slowly reduce your screen time before bed? Neurologist answers5 red vegetables rich in fibre: Simple ways to add them to Indian mealsIndependence Day Special: 7 historic Delhi eateries that have been serving since before 1947Tara Sutaria’s lace drama meets Kiara Advani’s pantsuit power: Who really won the ‘Toxic’ album launch fashion face-off?5 yellow vegetables that may support eye health, immunity and healthy ageing10 foods that were once considered disgusting but became delicaciesIndependence Day: 10 rare photos that bring India’s freedom struggle to life123Hot PicksMartin Luther King JrRajasthan UCCDelhi trafficJharkhand protestEast Coast Railway GDCE recruitmentMP Class 10, 12 timetableIran warKarnataka bandhUP NEET UG counsellingTop TrendingOil Prices TodayIndiGo Fight CancelledDelhi High Court Bomb ThreatAmbala Sikh Community ProtestManan KumarVirender Singh BasoyaJP NaddaWeather TomorrowBengaluru RapidoAbhijeet Dipke
Defence minister Rajnath Singh has hit back at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government’s foreign policy, calling them “petty and condemnable” and warning that such language could damage democratic discourse.Singh said he was particularly upset that the comments came from the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha. He accused Gandhi of lowering the dignity associated with the post and questioned whether such conduct was appropriate for someone holding a key constitutional position.“The remarks made by LoP Rahul Gandhi on PM Narendra Modi and India’s foreign policy yesterday are petty and condemnable. It is painful for me personally, too. In my long political life, I had never seen such indecent and unimaginable conduct from any LoP. Such conduct is a grave sign of a threat to a healthy democracy,” Singh said.The defence minister also defended Modi’s record as Prime Minister and his standing abroad, while arguing that political differences should not lead to what he described as disrespectful remarks.“Rahul Gandhi might have frustration with PM in his mind, but such indecent remarks are unacceptable, especially when PM Modi has been a Prime Minister who has brought prestige to India nationally and internationally, and paved the way for Viksit Bharat. ““In 12 years, working with full dedication, he did not take any leave. Such indecent remarks against such a PM pain every Indian,” he said.Singh then turned his criticism towards the Congress, questioning whether the party could continue to claim the legacy of several of India’s prominent leaders after Gandhi’s remarks.“I would also like to humbly tell the Congress party that after such language and conduct, can they have any claim over the legacy of Lal-Bal-Pal and Gandhi, Patel and Nehru, from Subhas Babu to Rajendra Babu and Shastri ji and Narasimha Rao ji to Pranab Mukherjee?” Rajnath Singh said.He further accused Gandhi of not only targeting Modi but also damaging India’s image and the dignity of the Leader of Opposition’s office.“With this conduct, Rahul Gandhi has not only insulted PM Narendra Modi but also the international prestige of India. He has shredded the dignity of the post of Lok Sabha LoP. I cannot even imagine that someone with the Gandhi surname can make such a shameful remark.”The exchange followed remarks made by Gandhi at the Congress’s Rachnatmak Congress National Convention in New Delhi on Thursday.Gandhi criticised the government’s approach to foreign policy and argued that India’s international relations should be driven by national interest rather than personal relationships between political leaders.“I don’t know where it came from; this idea got into their heads. I don’t know who put it there or where it came from, the idea that foreign policy means hugging politicians. I was young. We went to America. Since we’re talking about expressions, I’ll share this. We went to America. I was twelve years old. Priyanka, myself, my mother, and my grandmother – my grandmother was the Prime Minister. There was a state dinner – an official dinner. My grandmother and mother went to the official dinner,” he said.He added, “You aren’t just visiting a friend’s house. In this role, the Prime Minister of India doesn’t engage in mere friendship. They have no interest in friendship; their job is to protect the country.”Gandhi also accused the Modi government of damaging India’s foreign policy, using the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel as an example.“War broke out in Iran. For India – had it recognised its own strength and had its leader been someone like Indira Gandhi–this presented the greatest opportunity in the world. What kind of opportunity? Iran was our old friend, America was our friend, and Russia was our friend. We could have stepped up, become relevant, and leveraged these friendships. But what actually happened? Nothing of the sort. Instead, Pakistan stepped in and took our place; Pakistan became the mediator, while India and Modi-ji simply looked on,” he said.Rahul Gandhi claimed he receives “information directly from Modi ji’s office these days; there is a full-blown revolt going on inside”.He also referred to certain claims in videos on social media about China’s actions concerning patrolling along the LAC in a border area of Arunachal Pradesh.He also raised allegations concerning Chinese activity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Arunachal Pradesh and accused the government of pressuring the media not to report certain claims.“In our patrolling areas–specifically in Arunachal–China blocked us from patrolling. They essentially said, ‘Look, all that is fine–it is indeed your land–but you cannot patrol here.’ Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Narendra Modi have been completely deflated. They are calling up all the media editors, telling them, ‘Don’t publish this in your newspapers; suppress the story.’ They are causing direct harm to the country without a second thought,” he said.Gandhi also revisited the dispute over India’s handling of the border situation with China following the Galwan clash.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
He alleged that conflicting statements about whether Indian territory had been lost weakened India’s position during negotiations with China.“After the Galwan incident, the Prime Minister held a meeting–a Zoom call. He stated that China hadn’t taken a single inch of Indian territory. The Army said that our land had been taken. Just think about the message sent to China: Chinese negotiators asked our negotiators, ‘What nonsense are you talking about? Your own Prime Minister said no land was lost.’ So, internally, they have destroyed the country; they have wrecked our foreign policy. And they did all of this solely to finance their political structure, to secure funds from Adaniji,” he alleged.
