New Delhi: Expressing concern over the incidents of Chinese incursion, Congress on Friday questioned the "silence" of Narendra Modi government and asked whether the Prime Minister had raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Ping during the BRICS Summit in Brazil.
Demanding a clear statement from the Prime Minister on the issue, party spokesman Anand Sharma reminded him that he used to dub Congress government as weak and helpless when such incursions had happened at that time.
"Before coming to power, Modi and BJP used to target UPA`s Prime Minister and Defence Minister when the same situation arose. Now, we are witnessing the silence of those who always spoke. The country wants to know whether Modi raised the issue of violation of Indian boundaries with the Chinese President when they met at the BRICS Summit", he told reporters.
He said Home Minister Rajnath Singh`s statement on the issue "lacked seriousness and has skirted the matter".
Sharma also attacked the government for not holding a discussion on the situation in Gaza in parliament for the last three days.
"Opposition gave notice three days ago on the Gaza bombardment. Parliament has not functioned for three days. Government`s stubborness is responsible for this. They listed the issue and withdrew it arbitrarily. Government`s running away from the issue raises questions", he said.
On author Arundhati Roy`s controversial remarks seeking renaming of institutions named after Mahatma Gandhi, whom she had earlier accused of having "casteist" tendencies, Sharma said this is the best way to attract cheap publicity.
"Her observations are most unfortunate and deserved to be condemned. She is inconsequential when it comes to a person like Mahatma Gandhi. The Mahatma needs no endorsement from her", he said.
