The Congress party has deleted a controversial social media post featuring an image captioned “GAYAB” (missing), aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following widespread condemnation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies. The now-deleted post portrayed an empty kurta-pyjama and sandals, suggesting the Prime Minister’s absence “during the time of responsibility” following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The BJP launched a scathing attack, accusing the Congress of aligning with Pakistan’s narrative and using “religiously provocative” imagery.
BJP Slams Congress Over “Anti-National” Messaging
BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari claimed the Congress withdrew the post “under pressure from the people of India,” calling the content symbolic of the “Sar Tan Se Juda” (beheading) ideology.
“This will not hide the anti-national, pro-Pakistan character of Congress!” Bhandari posted on X.
BJP’s Gaurav Bhatia also alleged a “sinister design” by Congress to undermine national unity.
“They are signaling Pakistan that the Congress stands with them, not India… Calling them ‘Lashkar-e-Pakistan Congress’ isn’t wrong,” he said.
Strong Reactions from Union Ministers
Union Ministers Kiren Rijiju and Giriraj Singh expressed disgust over the Congress’s approach.
“I abhor this Congress party’s antics,” Rijiju stated, pointing out Modi’s leadership in counter-terrorism efforts.
Singh defended the Prime Minister’s active presence across the country.
“No PM has engaged with the North East, farmers, and youth like Modi has,” he said.
Congress Defends Itself
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh justified the original post, arguing that Modi skipped the all-party meeting on the terror attack but found time to campaign in Bihar.
“There’s no political agenda here—only a call for unity,” Ramesh said, while criticising the PM’s priorities.
Odisha Law Minister Urges Unity
Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan condemned the Congress for politicising a tragedy.
“Instead of standing with the nation, they are sending a pro-Pakistan message. Their statements are condemnable,” he said.
BJP’s Amit Malviya: “Congress Using Dog Whistles”
BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya accused Congress of using veiled threats and religious dog whistles for electoral gains.
“This isn’t just political; it’s targeted incitement. Congress is a headless hydra flailing without direction,” he said.
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey added:
“Congress is hand in glove with Pakistani terrorists and their patrons, the killers of Hindus.”
This latest controversy underscores the rising political temperature ahead of elections as the fallout from the Pahalgam attack continues to dominate national discourse.