“The continuing incursions by China on our border is a matter of serious concern. The whole nation stands with our vigilant soldiers who repelled these attacks under difficult conditions. The government, however, stubbornly refuses to allow a discussion on the issue in Parliament. As a result, Parliament, political parties and the people remain ignorant of the true situation on the ground,” she said.

The former Congress chief made these strong comments during a meeting of all party MPs in Parliament to discuss the strategy for the remainder of the Winter Session. The Congress Parliamentary Party (CPC) meeting was held at Parliament’s Central Hall. The meeting was attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and all party MPs.

Sonia Gandhi is the chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP).

Sonia calls for debate on key issues

Gandhi underlined that it has been the tradition in the country to bring Parliament into confidence while facing a “significant national challenge”. She also said that it is the duty of the government of the day to inform the public and explain its policies and actions.

“A debate can shed light on several critical questions. Why is China emboldened to continually attack us? What preparations have been made to repel these attacks, and what more needs to be done? What is the Government’s policy to deter China from future incursions? Given that we continue to have a severe trade deficit with China, importing far more than we export, why is there no economic response to China’s military hostility? What is the government’s diplomatic outreach to the global community? A frank discussion strengthens the nation’s response,” she said.

Gandhi said that the refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on “such a matter of grave national concern” shows “disrespect” for democracy, and “reflects poorly” on the government’s intentions.

“It demonstrates its inability to bring the nation together. On the contrary, by following divisive policies, by spreading hatred and targeting some sections of our society, the government makes it harder for the country to stand up as one against foreign threats. Such divisions weaken us and make us more vulnerable. At times like this it must be the government’s endeavour and responsibility to unite our people, not divide them as it has been doing these past several years,” she added.

Stepping up her attack on the Centre, she said that the government besides blocking debate in Parliament, is also “actively engaged in targeting” the opposition and any questioning voices, “manipulating” the media and “undermining” the institutions which stand in their way.

“This is happening not only in the Centre, but also in every state where the ruling party governs. A troubling new development is the calculated attempt underway to delegitimize the judiciary. Ministers –- and even a high constitutional authority — have been enlisted to making speeches attacking the judiciary on various grounds. It is quite clear that this is not an effort to provide reasonable suggestions for improvement. Rather, it is an effort to reduce the standing of the judiciary in the eyes of the public,” she added.

Sonia slams Centre over inflation, unemployment

She also hit out at the Centre over several other issues including “inflation, unemployment, social polarisation, weakening of democratic institutions”.

Gandhi said that the economic situation continues to be distressing, despite the government’s repeated insistence that “all is well”.

“The price of daily commodities continue their intolerable rise, placing a heavy burden on crores of households. The inability to provide jobs, especially for the youth, has been a feature of this government’s tenure. Even as the Prime Minister hands over appointment letters for a few thousand, crores more face an uncertain future with government vacancies unfilled, exams unreliable, and PSUs being privatised,” she added.