In the grand theater of Indian politics, where narratives often dance with facts and bravado brushes shoulders with reality, the saga of China’s alleged inch-free invasion of India’s sacred soil unfolds like a script from a Bollywood blockbuster.
Union Home Minister and BJP stalwart Amit Shah, known for his rhetorical flair, recently took center stage at an election rally, proclaiming with the gusto of a seasoned politician that “China couldn’t encroach on an inch of India’s land. This kind of rule is given by (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi ji.” Cue the applause, the cheers, and the questionable claims.
Shah’s statement, however, appears to be at odds with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s more sober assessment of the China-India dynamic. Jaishankar, in a moment of candid realism, had earlier remarked that picking a fight with a bigger economy might not be the wisest move for a smaller one. His ‘common sense’ approach was met with criticism from those who prefer their diplomacy seasoned with a generous dose of bravado.
The Modi government’s narrative on the China issue has been nothing short of theatrical. Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, including reports of Chinese incursions and the loss of Indian territory, the government has remained steadfast in its denial.
PM Modi himself, in a moment reminiscent of George Orwell’s “1984,” declared in an all-party meeting that “Neither have they intruded into our border, nor has any post been taken over by them [China]. Na koi ghusa thaa, na koi ghusa hai.” A bold assertion, but one that crumbles under the weight of reality.
The saga continues with a series of talks and meetings between Indian and Chinese officials, aimed at restoring the pre-2020 status quo at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Despite 21 rounds of discussions, there seems to be no breakthrough in sight.
Meanwhile, reports of Chinese control over significant swathes of Indian territory continue to emerge, painting a picture of a slow but steady encroachment. Villagers losing access to grazing lands, Indian security forces unable to patrol key points along the border, and skirmishes between Indian grazers and Chinese soldiers—all point to a troubling reality that the Modi government seems reluctant to acknowledge.
As the election season heats up, politicians like Amit Shah are keen to tap into historical grievances and sentiment. By invoking memories of the 1962 Sino-Indian war and painting Modi as the savior who prevented a repeat, Shah aims to strike a chord with voters, particularly in regions like Assam where anti-Nehru sentiments run deep.
In this political drama where facts are often twisted, and reality is a matter of convenience, one thing remains clear: the Great Wall of Denial erected by the Modi government on the China issue shows no signs of crumbling. And as long as political expediency trumps truth, the saga of China’s inch-by-inch advance into Indian territory will remain a tale fit for the theater of the absurd.
Amidst this tumultuous narrative, the recent call for a people’s march towards the China border in Ladakh adds another layer of complexity. The imposition of CrPC section 144 and the reduction of internet speeds to 2G for 24 hours underscore the government’s apprehension towards such actions. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s plea for an “onground check” of the alleged encroachment of grazing land at the India-China border has sparked both controversy and concern. With 10,000 Ladakhis reportedly poised to join the march, tensions are running high as the region navigates through the intricate web of political posturing and grassroots activism.