Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday lashed out at the government for "stubbornly" refusing a discussion on the India-China border issue in Parliament, and said its silence on matters of serious concern has become its defining feature.
Addressing party MPs at the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the central hall of Parliament, she also accused the government of delegitimising the judiciary and termed it as a "troubling new development".
Referring to the border situation, the former Congress president said disallowing a parliamentary debate on such a serious issue "shows disrespect for our democracy and reflects poorly on the government's intentions".
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She said a frank discussion strengthens the nation's response and it is the duty of the government of the day to inform the public and explain its policies and actions.
Noting that the "continuing incursions by China on our border is a matter of serious concern", she said the nation stands with vigilant soldiers who repelled these attacks under difficult conditions.
Gandhi said when facing a significant national challenge, it has been the tradition in our country to bring Parliament into confidence.
"The government, however, stubbornly refuses to allow a discussion on the issue in Parliament. As a result, Parliament, political parties and the people remain ignorant of the true situation on the ground," she said.
"Unfortunately, silence on matters of serious concern has become the defining feature of this government's tenure. While blocking debate, the government is also actively engaged in targeting the opposition and any questioning voices, manipulating the media and undermining the institutions which stand in their way. This is happening not only in the Centre, but also in every state where the ruling party governs," she charged.
She said a debate can shed light on several critical questions like why China is emboldened to continually attack India and what preparations have been made to repel these attacks, and what more needs to be done.
"What is the Government's policy to deter China from future incursions? Given that we continue to have a severe trade deficit with China, importing far more than we export, why is there no economic response to China's military hostility? What is the government's diplomatic outreach to the global community," she asked.