Why Did the Congress INDIA Bloc Echo Pakistan? Vallabh Criticizes Beniwal's Pahalgam Remarks

Gurugram, May 16 (NationPress) BJP leader Gourav Vallabh has vehemently condemned Congress MP Ummeda Ram Beniwal for casting aspersions on reports that the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack were targeted due to their religion.

Vallabh accused Beniwal and the entire INDIA Bloc of mimicking Pakistan’s narrative and tarnishing the credibility of the Indian Army.

In an interview with IANS, Vallabh denounced Beniwal’s remarks made in Barmer, Rajasthan, where the Congress MP stated that there was no definitive evidence indicating that religion influenced the selection of the terror victims.

Beniwal remarked, “There is no substantial evidence to suggest that individuals were chosen based on religion or caste. The core issue is the killing of defenseless civilians by a cowardly enemy nation.”

In response to these comments, Vallabh stated, “Anyone who questions the Indian Army’s account is effectively siding with Pakistan. Whether it’s the Congress or other members of the INDIA Bloc, they seem to support Pakistan today. When the Army, the Defence Minister, and even the Prime Minister have clearly stated that victims were targeted based on their religion — as was the case with Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, whose wife indicated he was shot after being identified as a non-Muslim — how can leaders like Beniwal make such unfounded assertions? Those who could not recite the 'Kalima' were executed. This is not mere speculation — it has been confirmed through official briefings.”

Vallabh also addressed remarks from Karnataka Congress MLA Kothur Manjunath, who criticized the military’s response following the Pahalgam attack. Manjunath claimed that the response was ineffective and did not deliver justice to the victims’ families. “They flew a few aircraft to demonstrate strength but achieved nothing. Is that justice for the 26–28 civilians killed? Is that how we honor the deceased?” Manjunath stated.

In rebuttal, Vallabh added, “It seems Manjunath has been consuming too much Pakistani media. He is parroting the lines of the Pakistani military and media outlets. The Indian Army conducted a comprehensive press briefing confirming the elimination of over 100 terrorists, including individuals on global most-wanted lists. Nine terror hideouts and eleven enemy airbases were destroyed. Despite such clear facts, Congress leaders continue to sow doubt. These are the same individuals who live in India, eat here, and yet sing praises of Pakistan. The public, particularly in Karnataka, will respond to such behavior appropriately.”

Vallabh further criticized Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal Yadav for his recent provocative statement implying that a BJP minister differentiated between two Indian Air Force officers — Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh — based on religion and caste. Yadav alleged that the Muslim officer was unfairly targeted while the Rajput officer was spared.

Vallabh asserted, “The Samajwadi Party thrives on dividing people along caste and religious lines. Ram Gopal Yadav, despite his education, is exhibiting alarmingly communal rhetoric. He perpetuates the dangerous notion that the Indian Army operates on caste or religion, which is categorically false. The Army symbolizes national unity and valor, representing the entire country, not any specific community. By attributing caste identities to soldiers, Yadav is doing a great disservice to the nation.”

He went on to say, “Ram Gopal Yadav is viewed as a political mentor to Akhilesh Yadav, and his comments reflect the party’s divisive mindset. The populace of Uttar Pradesh, and indeed the entire nation, can see through this attempt to polarize sentiment even within our armed forces. It reveals a serious lack of respect for our soldiers and their sacrifices.”

The BJP leader emphasized that such statements not only dishonor the bravery of the armed forces but also undermine national unity. He reiterated that India’s armed forces operate beyond caste, religion, or political agendas, urging opposition leaders to refrain from politicizing national security issues.