In the wake of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam which claimed the lives of 26 tourists, mostly Hindus, the nation has rallied in support of the union government, expressing solidarity as the country awaits positive developments. However, Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal has once again made remarks that seems immature and ill-timed.
Speaking at a Congress rally in Thiruvananthapuram on May 4, Venugopal openly mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, both of whom have been holding regular meetings on matters of national security. He alleged that while Modi and Shah have been “firing shots” verbally for two weeks following the Pahalgam terrorist attack, there has been no tangible action against Pakistan. Venugopal further stated that “this country was once ruled by brave young men who stopped Pakistan,” implying that the current leadership lacks decisive action. He criticised the Prime Minister’s rhetoric, saying, “We don’t need challenges through words, we need action.” He added that the Congress is challenging Modi to take strong measures against Pakistan.
These comments come after similar statements made by Venugopal during a press conference on the day the Prime Minister inaugurated the Vizhinjam Port on May 2. At the time, he declared that the Indian opposition would mount pressure on Modi to respond decisively to Pakistan, which he blamed for the attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives. Venugopal suggested that the Prime Minister should be the one “losing sleep” over the issue.
Previously, the Congress party had faced criticism after releasing an edited image mocking the Prime Minister, which it was later forced to withdraw following backlash from political leaders, including former J&K Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah. The party had then imposed a ban on controversial public statements. However, Venugopal’s recent remarks are seen as a breach of that directive.
