Jaipur/New Delhi, Dec 16 (PTI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday claimed that China is preparing for war and accused the government of trying to "ignore" this threat, saying it was "asleep" and not ready to accept the situation.

Gandhi's attack on the government drew a sharp response from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Congress leader of trying to create a misconception in the country and demoralising Indian soldiers while asserting that it is not Nehru's India of 1962. The BJP accused Gandhi of continuing to doubt the valour of Indian soldiers.

Gandhi's criticism came on a day when Eastern Army commander Lt General R P Kalita said border areas along the country’s northern frontier are “stable” and that the Indian Armed forces remain “firmly in control”. "We are prepared for all eventualities and all contingencies." Addressing a press conference in Jaipur on the completion of 100 days of the Congress' Bharat Jodo Yatra, Gandhi also hit out at External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, saying he keeps making remarks but needs to "deepen his understanding." Gandhi also slammed the media, saying he is sure that reporters would ask him about everything from Sachin Pilot to Ashok Gehlot amid the tussle between the two leaders in Rajasthan, but not a question on China.