In a sharp political retort, BJP MP Yogendra Chandoliya has held former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi responsible for India’s current developmental gap with China. The statement comes in direct response to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments on the issue.
Chandoliya, a vocal BJP parliamentarian, accused the Congress era of missed opportunities that allowed China to surge ahead economically and militarily. ‘If India is behind China today, the blame squarely lies with Nehru and Indira Gandhi’s policies,’ he declared during a public address in his constituency.
He pointed to Nehru’s non-alignment policy and perceived softness towards China during the 1962 war as pivotal mistakes. Indira Gandhi’s tenure, he argued, failed to capitalize on post-emergency reforms to match China’s opening up under Deng Xiaoping.
Rahul Gandhi had earlier highlighted infrastructure and economic disparities, urging a review of past decisions. Chandoliya countered by praising Modi’s initiatives like Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, which he claims are closing the gap.
The exchange underscores deepening political divides ahead of key elections. BJP leaders continue to leverage historical narratives to bolster their governance record, while Congress pushes for accountability on contemporary challenges.
Experts note that while historical policies played a role, global factors and recent reforms by both nations influence the current standings. India’s GDP growth and digital revolution offer hope, but sustained efforts are needed to overtake China.
Chandoliya’s remarks have sparked debates on social media, with supporters hailing it as a ‘truth bomb’ and critics calling it oversimplification of complex geopolitics.