New Delhi, April 24: In the aftermath of the tragic terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists and left several injured, the Indian National Congress has launched a scathing criticism of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of using the national tragedy to further its agenda of polarization and division. The Congress called for unity, introspection, and robust security measures instead of political opportunism in the face of national grief.
Addressing the media following a high-level Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting chaired by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leaders including Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Jairam Ramesh, and K C Venugopal expressed outrage over the heinous act, which they held Pakistan responsible for orchestrating. The CWC observed a solemn moment of silence in memory of the victims and unanimously passed a resolution condemning the act as a direct assault on the secular and democratic values of the Indian Republic.
K C Venugopal, reading out the resolution at a press briefing joined by Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, described the attack as a “cowardly, calculated and communally provocative act of terrorism.” He said the deliberate targeting of Hindu pilgrims appeared aimed at triggering communal unrest across the country. The resolution called on all citizens to remain calm and uphold India’s collective spirit in the face of adversity.
The Congress party unequivocally condemned the terror attack and underscored the need for unity across political lines. However, it expressed deep concern over what it termed as the BJP’s attempt to capitalize on the incident through both official and unofficial social media channels, spreading communal narratives and deepening societal rifts instead of focusing on healing and national solidarity.
“It is disheartening that the BJP is using this tragedy to foster discord and polarisation when what the nation truly needs is collective resolve and compassion,” the resolution stated. The Congress warned that such divisive tactics not only betray the victims but also undermine India’s fight against terrorism.
The CWC pointed to glaring lapses in intelligence and security apparatus, especially given that Pahalgam is a heavily guarded zone with a three-tier security structure. The Congress demanded an independent and transparent inquiry into the systemic failures that allowed such a devastating attack to take place in a Union Territory directly governed by the Union Home Ministry.
“These are not just political questions—they are questions of national security, public trust, and justice for the families whose lives have been torn apart,” the resolution emphasized.
The party also stressed the urgent need for foolproof security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, noting that lakhs of pilgrims travel annually to the holy shrine. “The safety of pilgrims must be treated as a national priority,” the party said, calling for robust, transparent, and proactive measures to ensure the safety of both visitors and local residents, whose livelihoods depend on tourism.
The CWC also paid heartfelt tribute to the brave local guides and ponywalas who risked their lives to protect tourists, with one reportedly martyred in the process. The party hailed them as the real embodiment of India’s unity and humanity, reminding the nation that such acts of selflessness uphold the spirit of our Republic more than any slogan ever can.
To show solidarity with the victims and their families, the Congress called for nationwide candlelight marches at the state and district levels on April 25. Rahul Gandhi, who had cut short his visit to the United States to attend the CWC and an All-Party Meeting convened by the Prime Minister, expressed his deep condolences in a social media post. “The country stands united in grief and defiance. We extend our support to the bereaved families and reaffirm our collective strength to fight terrorism,” he wrote.
Rahul Gandhi is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir today, where he will personally meet those injured in the attack at Government Medical College (GMC), Anantnag, and offer support to their families. Congress sources said his visit aims to demonstrate solidarity and reinforce the message that the fight against terrorism must rise above political affiliations and be rooted in national unity.
Meanwhile, Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Congress leader and head of the party’s legislative unit in Jammu and Kashmir, demanded answers from the government regarding the visible security lapses. “The region is always under tight surveillance, especially in the lead-up to the Amarnath Yatra. So why was there no security at the site? These are not small mistakes—they’re life-and-death failures,” he asked.