In a letter addressed to Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chiefs, Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leaders, MPs, MLAs, general secretaries, in-charges, and department heads, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal called for “utmost discipline and consistency” in public communication.
The directive follows controversial remarks by a few party leaders that sparked political backlash, with the BJP accusing the Congress of speaking in favour of terrorists.
The April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly tourists, and left several others injured when terrorists opened fire in a meadow near the popular tourist destination in Anantnag district.
Venugopal, in his letter, said the Congress is “deeply anguished” by the “reprehensible” attack and stands in “unwavering solidarity” with the nation. He emphasized that the party must project “unity, maturity and responsibility,” especially during moments of national crisis.
He highlighted that the Congress Working Committee (CWC), under the leadership of party president Mallikarjun Kharge, adopted a unanimous resolution on April 24 outlining the party’s official stance on the attack. All public statements, Venugopal said, must strictly reflect the resolution.
“Any deviation, misrepresentation or off-the-cuff remark that diverges from the official line shall be deemed a serious breach of party discipline,” the letter stated, adding that such violations would invite strict action.
The directive came in the wake of remarks made by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Maharashtra leader Vijay Wadettiwar, Karnataka minister R B Timmapur and Robert Vadra, husband of Priyanka Gandhi Vadra. Some of them questioned the need for conflict with Pakistan and cast doubts on victims’ claims that non-Muslims were singled out in the attack.
Meanwhile, the BJP mounted an offensive against the Congress over a controversial social media post that depicted a headless figure in saffron attire with the word “Gayab” (missing) over it, suggesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi was absent during a national crisis.
The post, later deleted by the Congress, was interpreted by BJP leaders as resembling imagery associated with the radical slogan “sar tan se juda” (beheading). BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya accused the Congress of communal dog-whistling and alleged the post was an attempt to provoke sentiments and appease its Muslim vote bank.
“This is not merely a political statement; it is a veiled incitement against the Prime Minister,” Malviya posted on X, claiming Rahul Gandhi had earlier justified or instigated similar acts of political violence.
Echoing the criticism, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged the Congress was toeing Pakistan’s line. He accused the party of proposing talks with Pakistan and pointed out that a Pakistani leader had shared the Congress’ controversial post on social media.
“Pakistan is doing the batting for Congress, and Congress is doing the bowling for Pakistan,” Bhandari claimed.
While the Congress reiterated its call for national unity and support for victims, the controversy has triggered a fresh round of political sparring as the parties trade barbs over responsibility, security, and political decorum in the wake of a terror attack.
