New Delhi [India], May 5: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai for his controversial remarks accusing the Central government of inaction in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack. Addressing the media on Monday, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accused the Congress and the INDI alliance of “doublespeak” and of demoralizing the armed forces with their statements.
“After the Pahalgam attack, tensions are high along the India-Pakistan border. While Pakistan continues to violate the ceasefire, Congress and INDI alliance leaders are targeting the Indian Army with their statements,” Trivedi said during the press conference.
He went on to compare the Congress’s stance with Pakistan’s tendency to deny involvement in acts of terrorism. “On one hand, Congress leaders claim they support the government, and on the other, they issue statements that weaken the morale of our Armed Forces. This duplicity mirrors Pakistan’s behavior—supporting terrorism while denying responsibility,” Trivedi added.
The criticism came in response to remarks by Ajay Rai, who mocked the government’s lack of action by symbolically displaying a toy Rafale fighter jet adorned with lemon and chillies—a traditional Indian charm used to ward off evil. Rai questioned the utility of the much-touted Rafale jets, saying, “They remain parked in hangars with lemon-chillies while our youth are dying in terror attacks.”
Rai reiterated his position earlier in the day, stating that his display was symbolic and meant to reflect public frustration over the lack of visible retaliation. “I’m just asking when Rafale will do its job,” he said.
While reaffirming Congress’s support for the government in combating terrorism, Rai asserted that leadership must be held accountable. “The country wants action, not symbolism. The Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Defence Minister are sending mixed signals, while families of the victims continue to suffer,” he said.
Rai also accused the government of inaction and alleged that public confidence is eroding due to the perceived delay in responding to the attack that killed 26 people.