Rafale jets in hangars with chilly, lemon tied to it: Congress leader sparks row
As Congress leader Ajay Rai’s press conference went viral in Pakistan too, BJP accused him and the Congress in general of spreading Islamabad’s narrative in India
Uttar Pradesh Congress leader Ajay Rai has refused to backtrack even after coming under attack for saying that India had failed to use the Rafale jets to attack Pakistan to avenge the Pahalgam massacre.
Displaying a toy plane before the media on Sunday (May 4), Rai demanded to know when Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government will use the Rafale to go on the offensive against Pakistan.
Rai and Rafale
The Rafale fighters, he said, were just parked in the hangars. The toy plane he displayed had a lemon and chilli hanging from it – apparently to ward off evil.
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"Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering… This government talks a lot, says it will crush terrorists. They brought Rafale but they are in hangars with chilly and lemon hanging from them. When will they take action against terrorists and those who support them?" Rai asked.
BJP attacks Rai
As Rai’s press conference went viral in Pakistan too, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused him and the Congress party in general of spreading Islamabad’s narrative in India.
"Ajay Rai has not shown a toy but played with the armed forces' morale at Pakistan's behest," BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said.
Rai stands firm
Even after the BJP’s counter, Rai doubled down on Monday on his remarks and said India wants action against those who killed over two dozen civilians at Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir.
"I am just asking when Rafale will do its job," Rai said. He added that while the Congress stands with the government, the latter must make a decision and the people will question if it doesn't.
Congress view
The Congress leadership has already told its leaders across the country not to make off-the-cuff remarks but the violations continues.
Also read: My responsibility to give befitting reply: Rajnath on Pahalgam terror attack
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said earlier: "Some Congress leaders have been speaking to the media (on Pahalgam). They speak for themselves and do not reflect the (party’s) views.
“There should be absolutely no doubt whatsoever at this most sensitive of times, the views expressed by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi and the views of authorised AICC office-bearers ALONE represent the position of the Indian National Congress," Ramesh said on X.