BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad Slams Congress Leaders for ‘Insensitive’ Remarks on Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a sharp rebuke, senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday condemned comments made by Congress leaders regarding the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, accusing them of undermining national unity and providing ammunition to Pakistan’s propaganda machinery.
Speaking at a press conference, Prasad criticised Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for their failure to rein in party members making controversial statements in the wake of the attack. “At a time when the country should speak in one voice, Congress leaders are demeaning the nation in front of Pakistan,” he stated.
He warned that remarks made by senior Congress leaders are being picked up and circulated by Pakistani media to discredit India internationally. “Are Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge not able to control their party? Everyone seems free to say whatever they want. Meanwhile, these statements are being used in a media campaign across Pakistan,” Prasad said.
Calling the remarks “shameful” and “highly insensitive,” Prasad questioned the motive behind such commentary, especially during a time of national mourning. He pointed to specific instances, including a statement from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah suggesting that “war is not inevitable,” and remarks by Karnataka Minister R.B. Timmapur, who noted that the terrorists “did not ask about religion before shooting.” According to Prasad, these statements not only misrepresent the gravity of the situation but also serve to blur the lines of accountability.
The families of those killed are grieving and speaking the truth about what happened. Meanwhile, opposition leaders are making statements that show an alarming lack of empathy,” Prasad said, also referring to controversial comments by the Leader of Opposition in the Maharashtra Assembly.
He concluded by urging political leaders across the spectrum to act responsibly during times of national crisis. “When the country mourns, it expects unity, not divisive rhetoric that weakens our collective stand against terrorism.
