Rahul Gandhi takes dig at PM Modi amid reports of China's new route to Doklam

Amid reports of China opening up a new route to reach South Doklam, Congress president Rahul Gandhi today asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi would react to the development through 'hugplomacy', by blaming the defence minister or crying in public.

The Congress chief posted a Twitter poll asking: "In Doklam, it's China season again. How will Modi Ji react this time?" Among the options given in the tweet were: 1. Hugplomacy. 2. Blame RM. 3. Cry in public. 4. All of the above.

In Doklam, it’s China season again. How will Modi Ji react this time?https://t.co/lUcy9QetfR

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 21, 2018

He also tagged a news report with the tweet that claimed China was quietly and cleverly finding a new route to South Doklam, seven months after India stopped Chinese construction activities in the area lying between Tibet's Chumbi Valley to the north, Bhutan's Ha Valley to the east and the Indian state of Sikkim to the west.

Gandhi and his party have been attacking the prime minister and his government over the Doklam issue due to the Chinese build-up there.

The Congress president, who is on a two-day visit to Karnataka, attacked the Modi government at a rally in the poll-bound state.

"China is building helipads and airports at our borders in Doklam but PM Modi is silent. No important issues of this nation are addressed by the PM," he said.

This is Rahul's second visit in as many months ahead of the election in the 224-member assembly in Karnataka.

While the Congress is trying to retain power in Karnataka, the BJP is vying for power in the southern state it lost in 2013.