A political storm broke out on Tuesday after the Congress shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “Gayab” (missing), prompting sharp backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which alleged the post used “sar tan se juda” (decapitation) symbolism to provoke communal sentiments.
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla called the Congress the “Pakistan Prasth Party,” accusing it of mirroring anti-India rhetoric. “Congress’s post is not just a political statement—it’s a dangerous dog whistle directed at its Muslim vote bank and a veiled incitement,” he said.
Echoing the charge, BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya said the Congress had crossed the line of decency and was resorting to tactics that undermine national unity. He claimed Rahul Gandhi had previously justified or instigated similar narratives. “The Congress is a headless hydra now—its leadership directionless and disconnected,” he wrote on X.
Further escalating tensions, BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari alleged coordination between Congress and Pakistan, citing a former Pakistani minister quote-tweeting the same Congress post. “The connection is exposed. Congress is now aligned with Pakistan’s deep state. But under PM Modi’s leadership, India will respond strongly,” he said.
In response, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh denied any communal or anti-national intent behind the post. He criticized PM Modi’s absence from the recent all-party meeting convened after the Pahalgam terror attack and called for a special Parliament session. “The PM must address the nation and Parliament about what happened in Pahalgam. Our focus is unity, not politics,” Ramesh said.
The heated exchange comes in the wake of the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians and has triggered intense political and public reactions nationwide.
