New Delhi, Aug 15 (UNI) The Indian National Congress on Saturday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Independence Day address to the nation as he missed to take China's name in standoff at Line Actual Control.
Addressing mediapersons here after the flag hoisting ceremony at the All India Congress Committee (AICC) headquarters, Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said ,' One hundred and thirty crore Indians and all Congress workers are proud of Armed, Paramilitary and Police forces. Whenever there has been an attack, they have given a befitting reply. But we must also think about why our rulers are scared of naming China. '
Mr Surjewala alleged that Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance government in Centre failed to check Chinese intrusions on the Indian territory.
'Today, when China has occupied our territory, we must ask the government how it proposes to push the Chinese forces back and protect our territorial integrity,” he claimed.
On 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' (Self-reliant India), Mr Surjewala in a jibe said government is selling several Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) and handing Indian Railways and the Life Insurance Corporation to private sector.
“Those who talk about ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat ’, whose foundation was laid by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and other freedom fighters, we want to ask whether this government, which has sold 32 Public Sector Undertakings, handed over Railways and Airports to private hands and attacked LIC and FCI, keep the independence of this country secure,” he said.
Addressing the Nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 74th Independence day, Mr Modi in a sharp attack on China and Pakistan, said that the armed forces deployed along the borders with the two countries have given a fitting reply to those who sought to challenge India’s sovereignty.
However, he did not take the names of the two countries.
Also, in his speech, the Prime Minister made a strong pitch for the campaign to build a self-reliant India.
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