Congress Under Fire: Are Their Leaders Helping Pakistan’s Narrative?
India’s reeling from a horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, where 26 lives were lost in a brutal assault. The nation’s grieving, demanding justice, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s promising a fierce response. But just when unity’s needed most, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is accusing Congress leaders of making comments that sound like they’re straight out of Pakistan’s playbook. From Karnataka’s Chief Minister to Rahul Gandhi’s brother-in-law, the BJP’s calling them out: “Can’t Congress control its own party?” Let’s dive into this political firestorm.
The Pahalgam Attack: A Nation in Mourning
On April 22, 2025, terror struck Pahalgam’s Baisaran meadow, a picturesque valley packed with tourists. Gunmen killed 25 tourists and one local, reportedly targeting non-Muslims. India blames Pakistan-backed militants; Pakistan denies it, demanding a neutral probe. With global leaders like the US and Russia backing India, Modi’s vowed a “befitting reply.” An all-party meeting saw even Congress pledge unity—or so it seemed.
But the BJP says Congress is sabotaging that unity. At a fiery Delhi press conference, spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed Congress leaders for “shameful” remarks that Pakistan’s media is using to mock India. “This is a time for solidarity, not division,” he said, questioning if Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi have any control over their party.
The Remarks Stirring the Pot
What did Congress say to spark this rage? Here’s the rundown:
- Siddaramaiah, Karnataka’s CM, said war with Pakistan isn’t the answer, urging better security. The BJP claims Pakistan’s generals are parroting this. Siddaramaiah clarified war’s a last resort, but the BJP’s not buying it.
- Vijay Wadettiwar, a Maharashtra Congress leader, doubted if terrorists asked victims’ religions before shooting, hinting at skepticism. The BJP calls this siding with Pakistan.
- R B Timmapur, Karnataka’s Excise Minister, echoed Wadettiwar, questioning why gunmen would care about religion mid-attack. The BJP sees it as downplaying the attack’s intent.
- Mani Shankar Aiyar tied the attack to “unresolved Partition issues,” which the BJP says blames India, not Pakistan.
- Robert Vadra, Rahul’s brother-in-law, said the attack targeted non-Muslims because Muslims feel “suppressed.” The BJP calls it “insensitive,” noting Pakistani media’s amplification.
- Saifuddin Soz urged talks with Pakistan, seeming to accept their denial. The BJP slammed it as soft on terror.
Prasad’s outrage is echoed by BJP MP Sambit Patra, who asked if these leaders are “Pakistani agents,” and Sudhanshu Trivedi, who accused Siddaramaiah of mimicking Pakistan’s ministers. The BJP’s also flagged unverified claims of “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans at a Congress march in Bihar.
Congress’s Damage Control
Congress is scrambling to clean up. Jairam Ramesh, the party’s communications chief, posted on X: “Those comments are personal, not Congress’s stance. Only Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and official statements count.” Rahul visited victims’ families in Srinagar, and the Congress Working Committee backed the government’s anti-terror stance on April 24. Kharge condemned the attack, urging unity.
But the BJP’s not letting up. Prasad mocked Kharge’s jab at Modi’s “56-inch chest,” calling it petty. He also criticized Samajwadi Party’s Akhilesh Yadav, loosely tied to Congress, for dodging a victim’s family visit, saying he had “no connection” to them. To the BJP, it shows Congress’s disconnect.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just political bickering—it’s a fight over who shapes the narrative after a tragedy. The Pahalgam attack has reignited India-Pakistan tensions, with India suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and banning Pakistani visas. The BJP’s framing Congress as Pakistan’s allies taps into public anger, especially when families are grieving. For many, these remarks feel like a betrayal, softening the push for justice.
But some see the BJP’s attacks as a distraction from security lapses in Kashmir. Congress’s Sachin Pilot has hinted at governance failures, and the opposition fears Modi’s using the attack to push a hawkish agenda. Still, the BJP’s riding a wave of public fury and global support, casting Congress as out of touch.
What’s Next?
The BJP’s keeping the pressure on, with leaders like Devendra Fadnavis accusing Congress of “giving Pakistan a clean chit.” Congress has gagged its leaders, but Pakistan’s media is milking the controversy, and social media’s a warzone. With India escalating its response, will Congress rein in its voices, or will the BJP keep hammering them? The nation’s watching, grieving, and hoping leaders prioritize unity over politics.
