BJP attacks 'divided' Congress over contrasting statements on Pahalgam terrorist attack

With different voices emerging from within the Congress party over the Pahalgam terror attack, the BJP asked if the senior leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have no control over their partymen. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad hit out at the Congress leaders and Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav for making "insensitive and irresponsible" statements during a time of national mourning following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

 

Ravi Shankar Prasad recounted the statements of Congress Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Maharashtra Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar, Congress leader Saifuddin Soz, Robert Vadra, and others. "It is extremely shameful that at a time when the nation must stand united, such divisive statements are being made," he said.

 

He recalled the tragic Pahalgam incident, where survivors and the families of the deceased confirmed that victims were asked about their religion before being shot. Prasad pointed out that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had already assured the nation of strict action against the perpetrators, both during his address in Bihar and in his 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast. An all-party meeting was convened where leaders across the political spectrum observed silence and pledged support to the government’s action.

 

The BJP leader argued that the Congress president and Rahul Gandhi, have publicly declared their support for the government's actions, which was a “positive sign.” This reflects the strength of a mature democracy, when the country is in crisis, it must stand united. Prasad recalled that during the 26/11 attacks, the BJP had unequivocally supported the then Congress-led UPA government. "We said clearly — this is not the time to settle political scores. We stand with the government," he stated, urging Congress to act similarly today.

 

 

 

The BJP referred to the remarks made by Congress leaders questioning the government have deeply hurt the sentiments of the entire country. Particularly critical of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s comment opposing war with Pakistan. Prasad warned that such statements were being used by Pakistani media outlets to project a divided India. He also condemned Karnataka Minister R.B. Timmapur, Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar, and others for questioning the religious targeting aspect of the attack, despite public testimonies from victims’ families.

 

In the wake of growing controversy, Congress is learnt to have asked its leaders, instructing them to avoid unnecessary comments and maintain a consistent party line regarding the Pahalgam attack. The directive, sources say, stresses the need for restraint to prevent further controversy and misinterpretation of statements during a sensitive time.

 

Despite this move by the Congress high command, Prasad questioned whether real control was being exercised. "Have they publicly reprimanded or sought apologies from those leaders? Have they made it clear that divisive remarks are unacceptable? No. It’s still a free-for-all," he said.

 

He emphasised that while major global powers like the USA, Russia, Australia, England, and the UAE have extended full support to India, irresponsible statements by opposition leaders are being used by Pakistan to undermine India's position internationally.

 

Prasad added that at the very least, the Congress leaders should speak in one voice with the country right now. “The statements of Congress leaders are today becoming tools for Pakistan’s anti-India propaganda, and Congress must stop this. When the whole world stands with India, it is unfortunate that Pakistan is misusing statements from people like Robert Vadra, Mani Shankar Aiyar, and some Chief Ministers.”

 

India