WASHINGTON: Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of relations with China, saying Beijing was “occupying our territory”, while also taking a dig at him over the country’s religious polarisation.

“The fact of the matter is China is occupying our territory. It’s an accepted fact,” Rahul Gandhi, who belongs to the Congress party, said in remarks at The National Press Club in a visit to Washington.

“It’s absolutely unacceptable. Prime Minister seems to believe otherwise.”

India’s embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Gandhi’s trip comes weeks ahead of Modi’s scheduled US visit later this month.

Gandhi also blamed Modi for India’s religious polarisation, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was not inclusive. “They sort of generate a certain amount of hatred in society, they polarise society and they are not inclusive. They don’t embrace everybody, and they divide society,” Gandhi said. The BJP denies the allegations and says its policies are aimed at the welfare and development of all Indians.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2023