Is the UP Congress Chief Right to Criticize the Centre Over the Pahalgam Attack?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ajay Rai criticizes the Central government’s response to terrorism.
- The Pahalgam attack claimed 26 innocent lives.
- PM Modi and HM Amit Shah promised decisive actions against terrorists.
- Public accountability and safety remain paramount concerns.
- The Rafale's role in defense strategy is under scrutiny.
Lucknow, May 4 (NationPress) Ajay Rai, the head of Congress' Uttar Pradesh unit, criticized the Central government for its handling of the Pahalgam attack. He raised a toy model of the IAF's Rafale fighter jet adorned with a lemon-chilly charm attached to its landing gear, questioning the government's lack of decisive action.
In a conversation with IANS, Rai remarked on the charm's presence, stating, "This has been placed by the government. The victims of the Pahalgam attack, along with their families, deserve to know if the Rafale is meant to be decorated with charms or if it should serve its intended purpose. I did not attach this charm myself."
Regarding Shankaracharya Avimukteshwarananda's attempt to "expel" Congress MP Rahul Gandhi from Hinduism, he asserted: "Rahul Gandhi is a devotee of Lord Shiva and does not require validation from anyone else. He is a true bhakt of Shivji."
Rai pressed the government about the Rafale's effectiveness, specifically addressing Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, urging for a strong response to eradicate terrorism.
He further criticized the Uttar Pradesh government, accusing it of employing diversionary and communal tactics.
The Congress leader's remarks came just 12 days after a tragic incident in which 26 tourists, including one from Nepal, were murdered by terrorists based on their religious identity.
In his initial comments on the Pahalgam attack, PM Narendra Modi assured that those responsible would be pursued relentlessly and brought to justice.
Home Minister Amit Shah, during a public address on May 1, warned terrorists about the ongoing fight and promised a decisive response from the Narendra Modi administration. "Terrorists should not believe they have succeeded. This battle is far from over. We will exact revenge on all terrorists," he declared.
The attack in the Baisaran meadows of Pahalgam was among the deadliest since the 2019 Pulwama incident.
Following the assault on April 22, HM Amit Shah traveled to Srinagar that evening, meeting with grieving families the next day. He laid wreaths on the victims' remains and visited the ambush site where armed individuals targeted tourists after confirming their identities.
Media interviews revealed that many families shared distressing accounts of their loved ones being specifically targeted due to their religion and shot at close range.