AICC Secretary-General KC Venugopal called for “the only discipline and consistency” in public exchanges in letters to the Chief Committee of the Congress (PCC) (PCC) Chief, Member of Congress, MLA, General Secretary, Head of Chief and Department Head.
The directive follows controversy among some party leaders who have sparked political opposition, with the BJP accusing Congress of appreciating the terrorists’ speeches.
The terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 claimed 26 lives, mainly tourists, and caused several other injured injuries when terrorists opened fire on grass near the popular tourist destination in the Anantnag area.
Venugopal said in his letter that Congress was “deeply painful” by “reproached” attacks and represented by “firm solidarity.” He stressed that the party must project “unity, maturity and responsibility”, especially in times of national crisis.
He stressed that the Congress Working Committee (CWC) under the leadership of party chairman Mallikarjun Kharge, adopted a unanimous resolution on April 24 outlining the party’s formal position on the attack. Venugopal said all public statements must strictly reflect the resolution.
“Any deviation, false statement or ready-made remarks will be considered a serious violation of party discipline,” the letter said.
The directive came after speeches by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Maharashtra leader Vijay Wadettiwar, Karnataka Minister RB Timmapur and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s husband Robert Vadra. Some of them questioned the need for a conflict with Pakistan and raised doubts about the victim’s claims that non-Muslims were picked out in the attack.
Meanwhile, the BJP launched an offensive against Congress on a controversial social media post that portrayed the headless figure in saffron costumes with the word “Gayab” (missed), indicating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was absent during the national crisis.
The post, which was later deleted by Congress, was interpreted by the BJP leaders as an image related to the radical slogan “Sar Tan Se Juda” (decapitation). BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya accused Congressional Public Dog of whips and accused the position of being intended to evoke emotions and appease his Muslim voting bank.
“It’s not just a political statement; it’s a cover-up incitement to the Prime Minister,” Malviya said on X, claiming that Rahul Gandhi had earlier proved or incited similar acts of political violence.
BJP spokesman Pradeep Bhandari claimed that Congress is criticizing Pakistan’s boundaries. He accused the party of bringing talks with Pakistan and noted that a Pakistani leader shared controversial posts on social media.
“Pakistan is doing batting for Congress, which is bowling for Pakistan,” Bandari claimed.
Congress reiterated calls for national unity and support for victims, but the controversy sparked a round of political controversy as the parties involved followed the terrorist attacks.
