File Photo of BJP national spokesperson Sambit Patra.

NEW DELHI: Seeking to undercut what it sees as Rahul Gandhi ’s “Hindu outreach”, BJP claimed on Friday that the Congress chief sought a “see-off” from Chinese diplomats for his Kailash Mansarovar trek. It said the Chinese embassy had asked for three passes for the IGI Airport lounge.

“MEA didn’t react to the Chinese request but why did Rahul want a see-off by the Chinese envoy even though he went to Nepal from where he will proceed to China for the Mansarovar trip?” BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said. Patra refused to comment on the pilgrimage itself, saying it was a personal visit, but said, “Why should the Chinese ambassador want to see off a non-Chinese person? There is no such protocol.”

BJP also played a video clip of several comments made by Rahul in which he highlighted achievements of the neighbouring country, and alleged that the Congress president acted like a “Chinese spokesperson”.

Patra said during the Doklam standoff, Rahul had met the Chinese ambassador to understand Beijing ’s perspective without taking the Indian government into confidence or seeking to know the Indian position.

Congress’s response took note of the Hindu undertone of BJP’s charge and said “Shiv bhakt” Rahul would not be deterred. It accused BJP of trying to create hurdles due to petty politics even over a pious issue. “Will one have to seek permission of Narendra Modi to visit the abode of Lord Shiva? Has he become bigger than god?” Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

