Kharge’s remarks were based on media reports stating that China had previously settled 628 villages along the Indian border, and was now developing 90 more in the Arunachal Pradesh region
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday (February 20, 2025) strongly criticised the Narendra Modi-led government following reports that China has been settling 90 new villages along the Arunachal Pradesh border. Taking to social media platform X, Kharge accused the government of focusing on public relations (PR) exercises instead of addressing national security concerns.
“Narendra Modi ji, you are adopting the policy of giving a ‘red salute’ to China instead of showing ‘red eyes’. India’s national security, territorial sovereignty and integrity are paramount, but the Modi government is putting it at risk,” Kharge said.
Concerns Over Border Infrastructure
Kharge’s remarks were based on media reports stating that China had previously settled 628 villages along the Indian border, and was now developing 90 more in the Arunachal Pradesh region. He questioned the effectiveness of the Modi government’s Vibrant Villages Programme, a scheme aimed at strengthening border infrastructure and development.
“The Modi government promotes the Vibrant Villages Programme on the border a lot, you have exaggerated it in Parliament. But the truth is that 90 per cent of the funds of the Vibrant Villages Programme have not been spent in the last two years,” he alleged, citing reports on Chinese activity along the border.
The Congress leader pointed out that while RS 4,800 crore had been allocated for the scheme, only ₹509 crore had been spent so far. He also highlighted the lack of financial support for border villages in Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh, stating that around 75 villages in the state required urgent attention but had not received adequate funds from the Centre.
Concerns Over China’s Brahmaputra Dam Project
Kharge also raised concerns over China’s plans to construct the “world’s largest dam” on the Brahmaputra river, warning of its potential impact on India’s national security, environment, and the northeastern states.
“The Brahmaputra river accounts for 30 per cent of India’s freshwater resources, making its flow vital to the country,” he said. He referred to a 2022 reply by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the Rajya Sabha, which acknowledged China’s hydropower projects under its 14th Five-Year Plan.
“This means that the Modi government was aware of this matter since 2021, but still, your government remained absolutely silent. It is clear…Modiji, your government’s priority is PR stunts and false advertisements for itself, not the national security of India,” Kharge said.
The Modi government has not yet issued an official response to the allegations. The reports of Chinese settlement near the border have once again brought national security concerns into focus, with the opposition calling for greater transparency and action to counter China’s activities along India’s frontiers.
