New Delhi, April 28 (HS): Following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, controversial remarks by Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar triggered criticism from the ruling BJP-led NDA. Aiyar suggested that the attack stemmed from unresolved questions of partition, prompting BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad to label his statement as insensitive and questioned whether Congress leadership, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, had control over party members.

Prasad emphasized that while Congress claims to support national unity, Aiyar’s comments could be exploited by Pakistan in media narratives, potentially damaging India’s image at a time when cohesion is crucial.

In response to the backlash, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh intervened for damage control, clarifying that the official position of Congress is determined by the statements made by Kharge, Gandhi, and the All India Congress Committee (AICC) officials. He emphasized that individual statements from other Congress leaders do not reflect the party’s views.

Jairam Ramesh conveyed that the Congress Working Committee had met to address the tragic incident and reiterated the party’s stance in an all-party meeting attended by Kharge and Gandhi. He underscored the importance of maintaining clarity during sensitive times, ensuring that only the resolutions of the CWC and authorized officials represent the Congress’s official position, thereby distancing the party from Aiyar’s remarks and emphasizing solidarity during national crises.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar