Doklam Status Quo Not Altered, Cong in Love with China, Says Govt

The assurance by the MEA came after reports of China undertaking construction work in the Doklam area.

The Ministry of External Affairs said, on 18 January, that the status quo has not been altered at Doklam, where Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a stand-off for over two months in 2017, and rejected any suggestion to the contrary as "inaccurate and mischievous".

Our attention has been drawn to some reports that question the accuracy of the position stated by the government in respect to the situation in Doklam.

Raveesh Kumar, Spokesperson, Ministry of External Affairs  

He said that in response to repeated questions about any change in the status quo at the face-off site, the government has stated that there was no basis for such imputations.

BJP Alleges Cong 'Sacrificing' National Interest

The BJP also accused the Congress of putting its self-interest over national interest after it attacked the government over the Doklam issue, and said its "love for China" was very visible of late.

BJP spokesperson Anil Baluni said people would trust the Army chief's assertions over the allegations of Congress leaders.

Army Chief Bipin Rawat had said on 17 January that border forces of India and China were holding regular exchanges.

Congress leaders on Thursday, 19 January, targeted the government following some reports that the Chinese army was engaged in more build- up around the region.

The Congress is practising selfish politics and sacrificing national interest. Its leaders’ love for China have become very visible of late. When Indian Army was confronting the Chinese army in Doklam, its president Rahul Gandhi was having a meal with Chinese diplomats in a secretive meeting.

Anil Baluni, Spokesperson, BJP 

Baluni was referring to Gandhi's meeting with the Chinese ambassador to India during the Doklam impasse.

He also spoke about the Congress president's "praise" for China during his speech in Bahrain and meeting of its leaders with Chinese delegations to hit out at the opposition party.

It is "very unfortunate" that the Congress was engaged in such politics, he said.

Government would once again reiterate that the status quo at the face-off site has not been altered. Any suggestion to the contrary is inaccurate and mischievous.

Anil Baluni, Spokesperson, BJP 

Kumar's remarks come in the wake of media reports about China carrying out infrastructure development in the disputed region.

Indian and Chinese troops had been locked in a stand-off for over two months last year in the Doklam area near Sikkim before "disengaging" on 28 August.

(With inputs from PTI)

(We Indians have much to talk about these days. But what would you tell India if you had the chance? Pick up the phone and write or record your Letter To India. Don’t be silent, tell her how you feel. Mail us your letter at [e-mail]. We’ll make sure India gets your message.)