New Delhi: Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s recent reference to the 1962 India-China war as the “alleged Chinese invasion” has stirred a new controversy. Speaking at an event, Aiyar remarked, “In October 1962, the Chinese allegedly invaded India.”
The comment was quickly condemned by BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya, who posted on X, “Mani Shankar Aiyar, speaking at the FCC during the launch of a book called Nehru’s First Recruits, refers to the Chinese invasion in 1962 as ‘alleged’. This is a brazen attempt at revisionism.
Malviya criticized the Congress party’s historical stance towards China, stating, “Nehru gave up India’s claim on a permanent seat at the UNSC in favor of the Chinese. Rahul Gandhi signed a secret MoU, the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation accepted funds from the Chinese Embassy, and published reports recommending market access for Chinese companies. Sonia Gandhi’s UPA opened up the Indian market for Chinese goods, hurting MSMEs. Now, Congress leader Aiyar wants to whitewash the Chinese invasion, after which the Chinese have been in illegal occupation of 38,000 sq km of Indian territory. What explains Congress’s love for the Chinese?”
In response, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh announced that Aiyar had apologized for his “mistake” and clarified that the party does not endorse his comment. Ramesh posted on X, “Mr. Mani Shankar Aiyar has subsequently apologized unreservedly for using the term ‘alleged invasion’ mistakenly. Allowances must be made for his age. The INC distances itself from his original phraseology.”
Ramesh reiterated the reality of the Chinese invasion, stating, “The Chinese invasion of India that began on October 20, 1962, was for REAL. So too were the Chinese incursions in Ladakh in early May 2020 in which 20 of our soldiers were martyred and the status quo disturbed.”
He also criticized the current administration’s handling of the situation, adding, “The outgoing PM, however, gave a clean chit publicly to the Chinese on June 19, 2020, seriously weakening our negotiating position. 2000 sq km of territory, including Depsang and Demchok, remain out of bounds for Indian troops.”