Should Congress Leaders Stick to Party Line on the Pahalgam Terror Attack?

New Delhi, April 30 (NationPress) The Congress has issued a directive on Monday, instructing its leaders to conform to the party's established line or abstain from commenting on the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

The party has made it clear that its position on this delicate matter is exclusively represented by the recent resolution passed by the Congress Working Committee (CWC) along with the statements made by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and the designated office-bearers of the All India Congress Committee (AICC).

General Secretary K.C. Venugopal mentioned that any departure from this stance would be regarded as a significant violation of party discipline. In a communication to all leaders, he stated that the party has expressed its “deep anguish over the abhorrent terrorist attack in Pahalgam” and conveyed “unwavering solidarity with the nation during this time of sorrow.”

Venugopal pointed out that at this pivotal moment, when the collective resolve of the nation is being tested, “the Indian National Congress must exemplify unity, maturity, and responsibility – traits that have characterized its actions over decades of national service, both in governance and opposition.”

This order comes in the wake of controversial remarks made by a few party leaders, which led to accusations from the BJP that some Congress members were echoing “Pakistan's rhetoric.” The CWC resolution, dated April 24, 2025, condemned the Pahalgam attack, reportedly orchestrated by Pakistan, as a direct assault on the ideals of the Indian Republic.

Furthermore, it called for a comprehensive investigation into lapses in intelligence and security. Both Kharge and Gandhi have shown support for any governmental actions taken in response to the attack.

“During the CWC meeting on April 24, 2025, a resolution was passed concerning the horrific terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam that occurred two days prior,” Venugopal elaborated. The directive requires that all party officials, irrespective of their roles, must ensure their comments, statements, and representations align with the party's stance and the CWC resolution.

Venugopal emphasized the necessity for all functionaries to maintain the highest level of discipline and consistency in public communications. Only authorized spokespersons should release statements, strictly adhering to the position outlined in the CWC resolution.

He remarked, “Every Indian seeks justice for the families of innocent lives lost, along with accountability from the government. The Congress Party has consistently upheld its responsibilities with a profound sense of national duty, as demonstrated by its record of prioritizing national interests during times of crisis.” He also cautioned that any violation of this directive would lead to stringent disciplinary measures without exception.