The BJP on Monday launched a scathing attack on the Congress party over remarks made by Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai, accusing the party of doublespeak and demoralising the Indian Armed Forces at a time of heightened tensions following the recent Pahalgam terror attack.
Addressing a press conference, BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi criticised Congress and its INDIA bloc allies for allegedly undermining national unity. “After the Pahalgam attack, while Pakistan continues to violate ceasefire along the border, Congress leaders are making statements that weaken the morale of our Army. On one hand, they claim to support the government, and on the other, they echo lines that resemble Pakistan’s tactics—denial and deflection,” Trivedi said.
His remarks came in response to Ajay Rai’s controversial comments, where the Congress leader mocked the government’s inaction by showcasing a toy fighter jet labelled “Rafale” decorated with nimbu-mirchi (lemon and chillies). Rai had alleged that despite acquiring Rafale jets, the government had failed to retaliate meaningfully after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people.
“It is time to give a reply to the ones who killed our people in Pahalgam… The government talks big but acts little. Rafale jets are lying in hangars with lemon-chillies hanging on them,” Rai said, adding that the people want clear and decisive action against terrorism.
Reiterating his stance on Monday, Rai said his remarks were symbolic, demanding accountability from the government. “I’m just asking when Rafale will do its job. We support the government in fighting terrorism, but if they do not act, people will ask questions,” he told ANI.
Trivedi condemned these remarks as irresponsible and said they serve the interests of the enemy rather than the nation. “These statements are not just criticism of the government; they attack the integrity of our armed forces and give encouragement to hostile forces,” he said.
The controversy comes at a time of intense political sparring and national grief over the Pahalgam attack, with the BJP framing Rai’s comments as part of a broader pattern of what it claims is the Congress party’s “anti-national” narrative.