New Delhi [India], January 13 : Congress leader Pawan Khera on Tuesday questioned the Bharatiya Janata Party's relationship with China and took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that those who once spoke of showing "red eyes" to China have instead "rolled out a red carpet" for it.
His remarks came after the BJP's Foreign Affairs Department in-charge Vijay Chauthaiwale shared details of a meeting with a delegation of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), led by Sun Haiyan, Vice Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Khera claimed that the BJP has maintained links with the CPC even when it was not in power, alleging that party leaders visited China and that RSS members also travelled there for training.
"The BJP has taught even a chameleon how to change its colours. Those who were supposed to show 'red eyes' to China have instead rolled out a 'red carpet' for it. The BJP has held meetings with China's party, the CPC. Even when they were not in power, they used to visit China and hold meetings; RSS members even went there for training," he said.
Khera clarified that the Congress does not object to political parties engaging in dialogue with foreign political entities, but criticised what he described as the BJP's "duplicity and hypocrisy."
"We have no objection to any political party meeting or engaging in dialogue with a political party from another country. What we object to is the BJP's duplicity, hypocrisy, and deceit. For years, the BJP kept shouting that the Congress had signed an MoU, and now they themselves are holding meetings. Our concern is with the BJP's intentions, because after such closed-door meetings, it is the country that ends up paying the price," he said.
The Congress leader also accused Prime Minister Modi of being "afraid of China," questioning what he called contradictions in the Centre's approach. He cited instances where the government discourages the use of Chinese products while allegedly awarding contracts to Chinese companies.
"What kind of relationship do you have with China that you tell us not to buy Chinese decorative lights, yet you award contracts to a Chinese company to manufacture meters in Jammu and Kashmir? Why was Mandarin being taught in Gujarat? Prime Minister Modi is afraid of China. A person has become the Prime Minister of this country who gives a clean chit the moment he is slightly intimidated, and if he receives even a little praise, he bows at America's feet. This country will not accept a Prime Minister who bows down," he said.
He further questioned whether key issues were raised during meetings with Chinese representatives, including the Shaksgam region and developments during "Operation Sindoor." Referring to remarks by a senior Army officer, Khera said China had supported Pakistan with weapons, including PL-15 missiles, and alleged that despite this, Prime Minister Modi undertook travel "on China's terms."
"You are in power and you held meetings at the party office, so we want to know--if not publicly, then at least behind closed doors--did you show the 'red eye'? Did you raise the issue of Shaksgam? Did you raise other issues? What happened during Operation Sindoor? A senior Army officer said that China was helping Pakistan, supplying weapons, and had provided PL-15 missiles. Even then, Modi ji started travel on China's terms," Khera said.
Earlier in the day, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate on Monday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for meeting leaders of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in the national capital, saying that while "China settles villages in Arunachal Pradesh", hugs were being exchanged here.
"This photo is of the BJP office. A meeting is taking place between BJP leaders and leaders of China's Communist Party," Shrinate posted on X.
"In Operation Sindoor, China supported Pakistan. Our brave soldiers were martyred in Galwan. China is sitting there having encroached in Ladakh. It is settling villages in Arunachal. And here, hugs are being exchanged," she added.
Shrinate further criticised the media for failing to question the BJP about the meeting with a CCP delegation.
"What is this relationship called? Why did the BJP commit treason against the country? What secret agreement was made between the BJP and China?" she asked.
Earlier, in 2020, BJP national President JP Nadda had criticised Congress for signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese Communist Party in 2008, which he said led to the then-ruling party "surrendering land to China".
"First, Congress signs MoU with Chinese Communist Party. Then, Congress surrenders land to China. During Doklam issue, Rahul Gandhi secretly goes to Chinese embassy. During crucial situations, Rahul Gandhi tries to divide the nation and demoralise armed forces. Effects of MoU?" Nadda posted on X in 2020.