What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
After a massive furore, senior Karnataka Congress leader Siddaramaiah on Saturday declined to attend a seminar against “US imperialism” to be organised by the Chinese embassy.
Siddaramaiah, current Leader of Opposition, said he was “surprised” to see his name on the list of speakers at the event, despite turning down the invitation by India-China Friendship Association.
The former chief minister was to share the stage with Chinese ambassador Sun Weidong and Chinese consulate general in Mumbai, Kong Xianhua as a chief guest in Bengaluru on Sunday, as per the event invitation.
The speakers are scheduled to discuss “Interference of US imperialists in the Internal Affairs of the People’s Republic of China” at the seminar.
“I had declined the invitation of India-China Friendship Association to participate in their event which will be held tomorrow,” he wrote on Twitter after facing criticism from political opponents.
I had declined the invitation of India-China Friendship Association to participate in their event which will be held tomorrow. It is surprising to see my name despite declining it.
I declined to participate as my party's & my position are against the agenda of the program. pic.twitter.com/TmsrazwBTD
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) August 27, 2022
“It is surprising to see my name despite declining it. I declined to participate as my party’s and my position are against the agenda of the program,” the Congress leader added.
Political leaders across India have been keeping a distance from events organised by the Chinese embassy since June 2020 when India lost 20 soldiers in violent clashes in the Galwan Valley along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Though China never disclosed casualties on its part, several reports say the number lies somewhere between 30 and 42.
Leaders of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a tirade against Siddaramaiah after the photo of the invitation card featuring his name as one of the chief guests started doing the rounds on social media.
“If anyone had any doubt that Congress works for China, this will clear their doubt. Why should Congress side with China if America is interfering in its internal affairs? Is this MoU signed by Rahul Gandhi with the Chinese Communist Party the reason behind this support to China?” asked BJP national secretary CT Ravi.
If anyone had any doubt that CONgress works for China, this will clear their doubt.
Why should CONgress side with China if America is interfering in its internal affairs?
Is this MoU signed by Rahul Gandhi with Chinese Communist Party the reason behind this support to China? pic.twitter.com/ZeeD2KAnLq
— C T Ravi 🇮🇳 ಸಿ ಟಿ ರವಿ (@CTRavi_BJP) August 27, 2022
Besides Siddaramaiah, former deputy chief minister Dr HC Mahadevappa is also listed as the guest of honour. Rajya Sabha MP Dr L Hanumanthaiah and former state minister PGR Sindhia, who is the president of ICFA, are named as the speakers at the event.
The event will also host a Chinese photographic exhibition till September 3.
