New Delhi: In response to the brutal Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong actions: sealing a Rs 63,000 crore Rafale Marine deal with France, banning 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for misinformation, and pulling up the BBC over biased reporting. The J&K Assembly passed a resolution condemning the attack, while the BJP delayed its national presidential polls amid tensions.
Major counter-terror operations are underway in Jammu and Kashmir, with raids in Doda and Kishtwar. Meanwhile, political leaders like Ravi Shankar Prasad slammed insensitive opposition remarks, and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence is reviewing national security preparedness. In a separate case, 26/11 plotter Tahawwur Rana was produced in a Delhi court.
Veteran Congress leader Saifuddin Soz’s suggestion that India should trust Pakistan’s denial of involvement in the attack exacerbated the situation. This position, perceived as soft on terrorism by many, led to accusations that Congress was prioritising political expediency over national security.
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The BJP swiftly seized on these internal divisions, launching a scathing attack on Congress’s perceived lack of decisive action and consistency in its approach to terrorism. This prompted a series of statements from Congress leadership aiming to project national unity. Rahul Gandhi’s participation in all-party meetings, alongside his call for bipartisan cooperation, illustrated the party’s attempts to demonstrate a united front following the initial wave of contrasting opinions from its various members.
However, the events following the Pehelgam attack highlighted a deeper issue: the delicate balancing act Congress faces when navigating complex geopolitical situations and the internal pressures to maintain a coherent nationalistic stance while addressing concerns about inclusivity and minority rights. The differing opinions expressed demonstrate the range of viewpoints within the party and the challenges in presenting a unified, consistent message on such sensitive issues. The internal debate, despite efforts to project unity, may continue to impact the party’s image and political strategy in the future.
