New Delhi, October 6: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi is on a combat mode and is taking on Prime Minister Narendra Modi head on over one issue or the other. This time, Rahul has questioned Modi over China expanding its base in Doklam. “Modiji, once you’re done thumping your chest, could you please explain this?” Rahul tweeted. Also Read - In Absence of Sonia And Rahul, Congress Leaders to Meet Tomorrow to Discuss Organisational Issues

After over a month Chinese and Indian resolved the Doklam standoff issue, the neighbouring country is back to expanding the motorable road on the Doklam Plateau with nearly 500 soldiers on guard. China has nearly 1,000 Chinese troops stationed just 10 kilometres from the face-off site. However, India said that it doesn’t expect a “flashpoint” at the same site between the two countries. Also Read - Monsoon Session LIVE: 'Won't Sign This Death Warrant of Farmers', Oppn Corners Govt as Farm Bills Tabled in Rajya Sabha

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been using the construction material and bulldozers to expand and improve the road which it built some years ago. The material and bulldozers were brought during the standoff at Doklam, Times of India reported. He added that by expanding the road construction, China is reinforcing its claim on the Doklam. Also read: BJP Govt Re-Inaugurating Our Schemes: Rahul Gandhi

The indication to the underlying tension due to presence of Chinese forces in the Chumbi Valley in the Dokalam Plateau was also given by Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa. “The two sides are not in a physical face-off as we speak. However, their forces in Chumbi Valley are still deployed and I expect them to withdraw as their exercise in the area gets over,” Dhanoa said.

There has been territorial disputes between China and Bhutan over Dokalam and India has been staunchly supporting Thimphu over the issue.

Troops of India and China were locked in a 73-day-long standoff in Dokalam since June 16 after the Indian side stopped the building of a road in the disputed area by the Chinese Army. Bhutan and China have a dispute over Dokalam.

Bhutan and India were in touch with each other during the course of the face-off that ended on August 28.

Days after the face-off ended, Army Chief Bipin Rawat had said China has started “flexing its muscles” and warned that the situation in India’s northern border could snowball into a larger conflict.

There are also reports that PLA has increased more troops on its forward post in Yatung.

With inputs from PTI