New Delhi: While on a tour of Ladakh, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, stating that the PM's claim that not an inch of land has been lost in the Union Territory "is not true". He highlighted that the local residents have affirmed that the "Chinese army entered our land".

"People here are stating that the Chinese army has encroached upon our territory. They mention that they can no longer access the areas that were previously used for grazing. Their assertions are clear... The Prime Minister's statement that no land has been lost is not accurate. Just ask anyone in Ladakh, and they will affirm this," expressed the Congress MP.

Rahul, paying homage to his father and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 79th birth anniversary, spoke to reporters after laying a floral tribute by the Pangong Tso. He also raised concerns about the Union Territory status granted to Ladakh following the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir subsequent to the abrogation of Article 370.

"There have been numerous grievances from the people of Ladakh. They are dissatisfied with the status that has been bestowed upon them. They are seeking greater representation, and unemployment is also a pressing issue. The people express the desire for governance not by bureaucracy, but by elected representatives," he added.

Reflecting on his visit to Ladakh, the Wayanad MP conveyed that he had intended to travel there during the Bharat Jodo Yatra, but logistical issues prevented that. Consequently, he opted for a more comprehensive visit to the region.

In alignment with Rahul's statements, Sanjay Raut, a leader of Shiv Sena (UBT), asserted that ample evidence exists to indicate China's occupation of Indian territory. He emphasized that it would be unjust to the nation if the Defence Minister and Prime Minister fail to acknowledge this fact.

In response to Rahul Gandhi's comments about the PM, Union Minister and BJP MP Jyotiraditya Scindia retorted that the Congress, who once chanted "hindi chini bhai bhai" and relinquished 45,000 sq km of land to China, should first introspect.