Sonia Gandhi skipped Kargil meet, says BJP president JP Nadda

New Delhi: Amid the Congress's criticism of the government after news emerged that three Indian soldiers were killed during a violent India-China face-off at Ladakh, BJP president JP Nadda branded the Congress as an "irresponsible" opposition.

Though without mentioning the border clash, Nadda said it was Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi who, as then Congress chief, had decided to skip an all-party meeting called by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during the Kargil war in 1999.

"When we were fighting the Kargil war, Sonia Gandhi ji had asked for a Rajya Sabha session. The then PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee had called an all-party meeting, but Congress didn't participate. This is their culture. During the time of crises, Congress always created political issues," alleged Nadda.

He further claimed that the Jan Sangh – the BJP's ideological predecessor – had stood by the then governments during the 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars.

However, Nadda said Sonia Gandhi created "political issues" even as the nation was trying to reclaim Tiger Hill in 1999. He went on to allege, "I'm pained to say that the behaviour of the opposition party has been gravely irresponsible during this crisis. We as a party work to serve the nation. But Congress' intention is to serve the party only."

Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala had alleged that the "Modi government remained a mute spectator" in face of "occupation of our territory by the Chinese". (IANS)

Also Watch: In an exclusive conversation with Diptanil Barua only on The Sentinel Assam