Explained : Congress Faces Setbacks Amid India-China Tensions and Its Impact

FOR THE LAST several days, Rahul has been reaching Parliament clutching what he said was General Naravane’s book and claimed the general’s account demonstrates that the government did not provide clear guidance to the mili­tary during the armed standoff with China. The absence of an authorised version is a hurdle in assessing the claims but the reported instructions of the government seem, on the face of it, clear enough as they authorise the Army to do what is needed. But with a political battle raging, BJP hit back with Godda MP Nishikant Dubey on February 4—the same day when Modi did not speak in Lok Sabha—referring to books that paint Jawaharlal Nehru in poor light to allege Congress leaders failed to protect India’s rights against Chinese aggression. The MP’s intervention saw chits and papers being hurled at the chair. On the next day, Modi responded to the attacks and the Naravane controversy in Rajya Sabha by posing the question—and delivering the an­swer—as to why the opposition wanted to get rid of him. “On the one hand, I am working to secure the future of India’s youth and on the other, Congress is making plans to dig Modi’s grave [Modi ki kabar khodne ki baat]. People who speak of ‘Mohabbat ki Dukan [shop of love]’ raise slogans of ‘Modi teri kabar khudegi [Modi your grave will be dug]’…is this not an insult to the norms of public life? I have experienced this for long. Since 2002 when I assumed office [in Gujarat], in 2004 when they [UPA] came to power and since 2014, when I came here [to the Central government], over 25 years, there has not been a single session of Parliament when these people have not abused Modi,” the prime minister said.

Modi’s speech that Congress and other I.N.D.I.A. bloc parties were seeking his ouster driven by their hatred of him and anath­ema for decisions taken in national interest such as repudiation of Article 370 and firm action against Pakistan for terrorism and the counter-narrative on China hit home. While Congress’ aggression severely disrupt­ed Lok Sabha from February 2 to 6, the mood was palpably different the following week when Parliament met on Feb­ruary 9. Though Congress stuck to a combative stance and Rahul continued to bran­dish the Naravane book, other members of the I.N.D.I.A. alli­ance were not enthused. They felt the issue had been juiced out and it was time to allow Parliament to function and take up a discussion on the Union Budget. “There is a limit to the utility of disrupting the House and carrying placards and banners inside the chamber,” said a senior opposition leader who pointed out that BJP succeeded in painting Rahul’s actions as “pro-China” while exposing historical chinks in the Congress’ armour over dealing with China. Modi’s credentials, particularly after the Indian military’s success during the May 7-10 Operation Sindoor, were not easy to tarnish. Deliberations among opposition leaders saw them arrive at a consensus on ending the confrontation. At the instance of Congress, it was decided to seek a no-confidence motion against Birla for “not allowing” the leader of opposition to speak but it was also decided that Parliament would thereafter be allowed to function.