New Delhi: The Congress leadership on Monday directed its leaders to refrain from making public statements that deviate from the party’s official line on the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam last week, which killed 26 people. It is to be noted that the gag order came after several Congress leaders made remarks on the terror attack that stirred controversy and drew sharp criticism.
Congress, during an all-party meeting held two days after the gruesome attack, had said that it will support the action taken by the central government in response to the terrorist assault. According to sources, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi were upset over leaders speaking out of turn, causing confusion over the party’s stand.
In a post Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that statements made by individual leaders did not reflect the party’s position. He stressed that only the views expressed by Kharge, Rahul Gandhi, and authorised AICC office-bearers represent the stand of the Indian National Congress.
There should be absolutely no doubt whatsoever at this most sensitive of times that the CWC resolution, the views expressed by Shri Mallikarjun Kharge and Shri Rahul Gandhi and the views of authorised AICC office-bearers ALONE represent the position of the INC,” Ramesh said.
Taking serious note of the situation, the Congress is expected to issue an official statement to clarify its position on the matter. Leaders who made comments inconsistent with the party’s view have been reprimanded internally, sources said. The party leadership has made it clear that any future communication on the Pahalgam issue must strictly adhere to the Congress’s stated position.
Senior Congress leader and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sparked a row after he said there was no need for a war with Pakistan and instead asked the central government to strengthen the security system. “There is no need for war, stringent measures should be taken. The security system needs to be tightened.