New Delhi’s political corridors are buzzing after Union Minister Kiren Rijiju delivered a sharp rebuke to the Congress party. Responding to their accusations of Chinese incursions and the controversy surrounding former Army Chief MM Naravane’s book, Rijiju asserted that national defense matters cannot be reduced to political ammunition.
In a pointed post on X, Rijiju highlighted the maturity of the current government under an experienced leader. He drew a stark contrast with the past, noting that the Henderson Brooks-Bhagat Commission report from the 1962 war— which pinned the humiliating defeat against Chinese PLA forces squarely on the Nehru government—has remained classified for decades. ‘Our government has never declassified it,’ he wrote, ‘precisely because defense issues aren’t tools for political gain.’
Rijiju also shared an earlier post from November 1, 2024, featuring a video of himself at the China border. Dressed in military fatigues, he is seen engaging in talks with Chinese troops alongside Indian soldiers, all while celebrating Diwali with the forces on the frontlines. This gesture underscores his hands-on approach to border security.
The spat intensified as BJP MP Nishikant Dubey joined the fray, targeting the Nehru-Gandhi family. Announcing plans for a dedicated library chronicling their alleged misdeeds, corruption, and policy failures, Dubey invited public contributions. ‘From economic damages to the India-Pakistan partition and undisclosed secret documents, this repository will serve future generations and researchers,’ he declared in a video message.
Dubey’s initiative stems from his recent parliamentary remarks on the family’s history, which sparked nationwide reactions and calls for deeper documentation. He urged citizens to suggest books exposing the dynasty’s role in national setbacks, promising to acquire and preserve them for public access.
As opposition parties ramp up criticism ahead of key sessions, Rijiju’s words serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between security transparency and partisan politics. The debate raises broader questions about how India handles its historical defeats and border challenges in the public eye.