Sikkim standoff: Did Rahul Gandhi meet Chinese envoy during tension?
Did Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi meet Chinese envoy Luo Zhaohui during the Indo-China border stand-off in Sikkim or did he not? Seems to be a mystery. According to the embassy (temporarily), he did. Times Now said it posted an official statement confirming the meeting on its website, then removed it. Meanwhile, India's opposition party continues denying the reports, calling them "fake news".
What's happening at Sikkim?
The standoff between Indian and Chinese forces at Doklam near the Bhutan tri-junction has dragged on for three weeks now. It was triggered by Beijing's attempt to build a road in the sensitive area that New Delhi argues all three countries (including Bhutan) have a say on. Now Indian Army personnel at the site have pitched in tents, flouting Chinese demands to back down.
Congress blames "MEA and IB sources" for 'planting news'
Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala lashed out at BJP and accused MEA and IB sources of "plant(ing) news with bhakts". He also tweeted a photo of PM Modi meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. Before the reported Gandhi-Zhaohui meet, Rahul too asked why Modi is "silent" on China. Congress social media head Ramya said even if Gandhi met Zhaohui, "I don't see it as an issue."
