Sonia Gandhi questions govt on its 'silence on matters of serious concern'

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday hit out at the government for not allowing a discussion on the IndiaChina border issue in Parliament saying silence on matters of serious concern has become its defining featureAddressing party MPs at the general body meeting of the Congress Parliamentary Party in the central hall of Parliament she said when facing a significant national challenge it has been the tradition in our country to bring Parliament into confidenceA debate can shed light on several critical questions she said Why is China emboldened to continually attack us What preparations have been made to repel these attacks and what more needs to be done What is the Governments 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 Chinas military hostility What is the governments diplomatic outreach to the global community she askedIndian and Chinese troops clashed along the Line of Actual Control LAC in Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 and the faceoff resulted in minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides according to the Indian ArmyNoting that a frank discussion strengthens the nations response Gandhi said it is the duty of the government of the day to inform the public and explain its policies and actionsAlso read Fight today is between two ideologies one which benefits few and the other raises peoples voice Rahul GandhiThis refusal to allow a parliamentary debate on such a matter of grave national concern shows disrespect for our democracy and reflects poorly on the Governments intentions It demonstrates its inability to bring the nation together On the contrary by following divisive policies by spreading hatred and targeting some sections of our society the government makes it harder for the country to stand up as one against foreign threats she said Such divisions weaken us and make us more vulnerable At times like this it must be the governments endeavour and responsibility to unite our people not divide them as it has been doing these past several years Gandhi said at the meetingUnfortunately silence on matters of serious concern has become the defining feature of this governments 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 chargedGandhi also accused the government of making an effort to reduce the standing of the judiciary in the eyes of the publicA troubling new development is the calculated attempt underway to delegitimise the judiciary Ministers and even a high constitutional authority have been enlisted to making speeches attacking the judiciary on various grounds It is quite clear that this is not an effort to provide reasonable suggestions for improvement Rather it is an effort to reduce the standing of the judiciary in the eyes of the public the former Congress chief also saidThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever