Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday came down heavily on Congress leaders who made controversial remarks following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, asserting that support for Pakistan in the name of secularism is unacceptable.
Speaking to reporters, Kalyan said:
“A few people are expressing affection for Pakistan while living in India. If they truly love Pakistan, they should leave India and go there. Why so much affection for Pakistan?”
Kalyan’s comments come amid growing criticism of statements made by Congress leaders, including Saifuddin Soz, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, and party leader RV Timapur, that were perceived by BJP and allies as “soft” on Pakistan.
Congress Leaders’ Controversial Remarks:
- Saifuddin Soz suggested that if Pakistan denies involvement in the Pahalgam attack, “we should accept it for a time” and rely on investigations.
- He further emphasized that “dialogue is the only way forward” between India and Pakistan.
- Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah had stated that “war is not necessary”, advocating restraint. However, he later clarified that war should happen only if inevitable.
- RV Timapur, a Congress leader, remarked that terrorists do not ask victims’ religion, sparking debate over his framing of the issue.
BJP and Allies React:
The BJP cited these statements as irresponsible and damaging to India’s global image, particularly at a time of national mourning. A BJP statement said:
“Whatever Congress says, Pakistan’s generals use that. The Congress is playing into the hands of hostile forces.”
Congress Distances Itself:
In response to the backlash, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that the remarks by individual leaders were personal opinions, and the official stance of the party remains aligned with the Congress Working Committee resolution and statements made by authorised AICC office-bearers.
“The Congress party has nothing to do with these statements and does not agree with them,” Ramesh stated.
Background:
The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22 targeted tourist buses, killing 26 people, including one Nepali citizen. The incident is one of the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama attack, prompting India to take a series of diplomatic and visa-related actions against Pakistan.