"What If We Change Names Of Places In China": Defence Minister Rajnath Singh In Arunachal Pradesh Election Campaign

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took a firm stance on China's 'renaming' of certain places in Arunachal Pradesh, questioning Beijing's actions as per a report by NDTV.

Singh asked whether renaming places in China would make them Indian territory, emphasising that altering names would not change the ground reality.

"Tomorrow, if we change the names of some places or states in China, will it make them ours? China should not make this mistake," Singh said at a rally in Namsai, Arunachal East, ahead of the Lok Sabha and state's Assembly polls.

Singh also highlighted the BJP-led government's efforts to develop infrastructure and border villages. He stressed India's commitment to maintaining good relations with its neighbors but warned against any attempts to undermine India's self-respect.

Singh further criticised the Congress for ceding large tracts of land before the BJP came to power, contrasting it with the current government's focus on border infrastructure development. He emphasised the strategic importance of border villages, referring to them as the "first villages" of the country.

India has rejected China's renaming of places in Arunachal Pradesh, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stating that India will defend every inch of its territory.

Arunachal Pradesh is set to vote in the Lok Sabha and Assembly polls on 19 April, with counting scheduled for 2 June for the Assembly elections and 4 June for the general elections.