India being forced to normalise ties with China largely on Beijing's terms: Congress
New Delhi (PTI): With Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a visit to Japan and then scheduled to travel to China, the Congress on Friday alleged that India is being "forced" to normalise its relations with China which is "trying to take advantage of the downturn in Indo-US ties".
The opposition party also took a swipe at the prime minister, saying the long-suffering people of Manipur are still awaiting his visit but he has "simply washed his hands off" the state.
Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh said, "The Frequently Flying (and more frequently lying) Prime Minister is off to Japan and China."
"His visit to China is a moment of some reckoning for India. We are being forced to normalise relations with China -- largely on their terms, with China trying to take advantage of the downturn in Indo-US ties as well," Ramesh said in a post on X.
"China's jugalbandi with Pakistan during Operation Sindoor - revealed by our own military establishment itself - has been forgotten," the Congress leader said.
"The extraordinarily bizarre statement of the Prime Minister of June 19, 2020, when he proclaimed that 'Na koi hamari seema mein ghus aaya hai, na hi koi ghusa hua hai' greatly hurt our negotiating strength," Ramesh claimed.
It left India with little room to manoeuvre and this visit, despite the failure to restore the pre-April 2020 status quo, is the inevitable result of that "notorious and cowardly clean chit", he said.
"Even as the PM jets off abroad, the long-suffering people of Manipur are still awaiting his visit there to heal the wounds of May 2023," he said.
But the PM simply and "stubbornly refuses" to engage with the state, its political parties and leaders, civil society organisations, and the people themselves, he alleged.
"He (Modi) has simply washed his hands off Manipur - which stands as a tragic testimony to the blundering of the Union Home Minister," Ramesh claimed.
Embarking on a tour of Japan and China, Prime Minister Modi on Thursday exuded confidence that the visit would further national interests and priorities, and contribute to building fruitful cooperation in advancing regional and global peace.
In the first leg of his trip, Modi is visiting Japan on August 29 to 30, and he arrived in Tokyo this morning.
In his departure statement, Prime Minister Modi said his visit to Japan will be an opportunity to strengthen civilisational bonds and cultural ties between the two countries.
From Japan, Modi will travel to China on a two-day visit to attend the annual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1.
On Sunday, the prime minister is set to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping that is expected to focus on further steps to normalise bilateral ties that came under severe strain following the eastern Ladakh border row.
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No date fixed yet for leadership change in Karnataka: Cong chief Kharge
Kalaburagi (Karnataka) (PTI): Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday said that no date has been fixed yet to discuss possible leadership change in Karnataka.
His statement came amid intensifying speculation over a power tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D K Shivakumar.
Addressing a press conference here, Kharge maintained that any decision regarding leadership would be taken collectively by the party's high command after due consultation.
He also cautioned against misinterpretation of his remarks.
"See, we will take a decision together, the three of us: I as the AICC president, Sonia Gandhi as the Congress Parliamentary Party president, and Rahul Gandhi as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. That is why we always act together," he explained.
Kharge further said, "When the three of us fix a date together, we will take a decision. Since no date has been fixed yet, how can I say whether a change is happening or not?"
He asserted that the Congress leadership follows a consultative process before arriving at any conclusion.
"In the high command, we have extensive discussions among ourselves and also consult other senior leaders. We consider what the outcome would be and then take steps accordingly," the Congress chief said.
Stressing that no timeline had been finalised, he said, "When it happens, I will definitely inform you. Please do not misinterpret this."
He noted that he often avoids commenting publicly to prevent misrepresentation.
Emphasising party discipline, Kharge said any eventual decision would be binding on all.
"Whatever decision is taken, it will be in the interest of the state, and everyone will have to support whatever decision the high command takes," he said.
On Thursday, Kharge said there was no change of CM in Karnataka "for now" and that the leadership issue in the state would be resolved soon.
The remarks come amid ongoing speculation over an alleged understanding for a power transfer to Shivakumar when the Congress government completes its halfway mark in November 2025.
While Siddaramaiah has asserted that he intends to complete a full five-year term, he has also said he would abide by any decision taken by the party leadership.
Recently, Shivakumar and his brother D K Suresh's Delhi visit triggered speculation of a leadership change. His supporters are also charged up.
