Congress leader Pawan Kheda. (file photo)
Digital Desk, New Delhi. A major political controversy has arisen due to the visit of a delegation of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to New Delhi. Congress and BJP are blaming each other regarding transparency and India's China policy.
The controversy started when a delegation led by CPC International Department Deputy Minister Sun Haiyan visited the BJP headquarters on Monday. Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong was also part of the delegation.
Whom did the CPC delegation meet?
Vijay Chauthaiwale, in-charge of the BJP's foreign affairs department, wrote on Twitter that the BJP team led by party general secretary Arun Singh discussed ways to further inter-party communication between the BJP and the Communist Party of China. The delegation also met RSS general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on Tuesday. Apart from this, the CPC delegation also met Congress leader and former Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid.
Congress raised questions on BJP's relations with China. Taking advantage of this visit, Congress accused BJP of adopting double standards and demanded full disclosure of its relations with CPC. The party questioned whether the BJP or the RSS raised issues like border violations, trade imbalance, supply of rare earths and Chinese support to Pakistan.
Congress leader Pawan Kheda asked, "We have no problem with the fact that you meet... The issue is whether you raise important questions while meeting behind closed doors? The BJP has taught even chameleons to change colours. Those who wanted to show red eyes to China, have instead rolled out the red carpet for it."
He further said, "BJP has held meetings with the Chinese party CPC. Even when they were not in power, they used to go to China and hold meetings; RSS members even went there for training."
The BJP rejected Congress's allegations, saying its meeting with the CPC was formal and open. Party spokesperson Tuhin Sinha said, "It was a process of a formal meeting. Formal meetings happen when the situation is better. We have done it openly."
He further said, "We do not secretly sign any MoU that we cannot explain for years." Sinha said the meeting took place because "the situation has improved." He also attacked Rahul Gandhi and said that he has lost the right to question the foreign policy of the government.
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