Congress issues 'gag order' after leaders' remarks on Pahalgam attack, clarifies official stand

The Congress party on Monday issued a strict directive to its leaders, instructing them to avoid making public statements that deviate from the party’s official line regarding the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 26 people dead.

This move came after several leaders made controversial comments that caused confusion about the party's stance and drew sharp criticism from both political opponents and the public. Sources said that both Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi expressed serious displeasure over the remarks made by some party leaders.

During an all-party meeting held two days after the attack, Congress had officially stated that it would support any action the central government takes in response to the terror strike. However, individual remarks from senior leaders such as Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Maharashtra leader Vijay Waddetiwar have since sparked controversy.

Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh issued a clarification on social media platform X, stating that only statements made by Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and authorised AICC office-bearers reflect the official position of the party. "Some Congress leaders have been speaking to the media. They speak for themselves and do not reflect the INC's views," Ramesh posted.

Siddaramaiah, while speaking on the attack, had initially called for peace and strengthening internal security instead of war with Pakistan, a comment that was later clarified after backlash. Meanwhile, Waddetiwar questioned claims that terrorists had asked victims about their religion, further complicating the party’s messaging.

The Congress leadership has reprimanded those who made off-message remarks and has instructed all future statements related to the Pahalgam incident to align strictly with the official position. An official communication from the party is expected to be released soon to avoid further confusion and to assert party discipline.