Last Updated:
Karra appealed both sides to de-escalate tensions over the burning issue. The BJP said many Congress leaders were giving contradictory statements to Rahul Gandhi’s call for unity.
J&K Congress Chief Tariq Hameed Karra. (PTI/File Image)
As anger grows over the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, political tensions are also escalating. The latest controversy was sparked by Jammu and Kashmir Congress Chief Tariq Hameed Karra, who advocated for engaging in talks with Pakistan regarding the incident.
Terrorists gunned down 26 tourists in J&K’s Pahalgam on April 22, sending shockwaves across the country and sparking global condemnation. India has long blamed Pakistan for failing to harbouring terrorists on its soil and failing to curb cross-border terrorism. The government decided to suspend the Indus Waters Treaty with immediate effect, revoke visas of all Pakistani nationals in India and shut down the Attari border immediately. Pakistan, in turn, also suspended the Simla Agreement and snapped all bilateral pacts with India.
However, Karra has appealed to both sides to de-escalate tensions and talk to each other. “I request both sides to keep their cool… I represent the sentiments of hundreds of thousands of people,” he said.
“Some things should be sorted (out). Whatever has to be done has to be done across the table. Both countries should not be pushed to devastation any more,” he was seen saying in a video.
This came after National Conference leader Sajjad Shaheen sparked a major controversy by batting for the resumption of talks between India and Pakistan amid deteriorating ties over the Pahalgam terror attack. Shaheen said that both neighbouring countries have no other option but to sit down at the table to solve all issues.
BJP’s Angry Response, Slams ‘2-In-One Stand’
Karra’s remarks were slammed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who highlighted that Congress leaders are making contradictory and inflammatory statements despite party leader Rahul Gandhi expressing support with the Centre on the matter.
Taking to X, BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said despite Rahul Gandhi saying Congress is with the government, the J&K Congress chief is calling for talks, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was saying “no need for war” with Pakistan and senior party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar was blaming the Pahalgam attack on the Partition.
Modi govt says ZERO TOLERANCE ON TERRORRahul Gandhi at ALL PARTY MEET says take any action – Congress with Govt
AND Then
J&K Cong chief says let’s have talks across table
Karnataka CM says don’t go hard on Pak
Mani Aiyyar blames Partition
Karnataka Minister… pic.twitter.com/PVWRXG5QWf
— Shehzad Jai Hind (Modi Ka Parivar) (@Shehzad_Ind) April 28, 2025
“Congress party says one thing at the all-party meeting and something else in other occasions. They want to run with the hare and hunt with the hound. On one hand, they want to show that they support rashtra neeti (National policy) but they are working to promote vote bank neeti (Vote Bank politics),” he said. “This 2-in-one stand will not work.”
A Look Back At Congress’ Controversial Remarks
After the all-party meeting held in the immediate aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said it is important for India to stand united in the face of the Pahalgam terror attack, so as to defeat terrorism once and for all.
Since then, controversial statements by Congress or Congress-affiliated leaders have made headlines. Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi’s husband, Robert Vadra, sparked a row by saying that terrorists targeted Hindus to give a message to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that “Muslims are feeling weakened”.
Siddaramaiah then stirred up a debate by saying there is no need for war with Pakistan, but India, instead, should beef up security in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. He attributed the attack to an intelligence failure. Later, the Karnataka CM walked back on his remarks, saying he never said there should be no war with Pakistan.
Karnataka excise minister RB Timmapur made shocking statements, saying a terrorist “could not have asked their religion” before shooting, dismissing the testimonies of the survivors. He also said that Shivamogga victim Manjunath’s wife Pallavi “might have lost a bit of control”.
Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar also sparked yet another row over the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which left 26 tourists. Aiyar said the Pahalgam tragedy reflected “unresolved questions of Partition”.
- Location :
Srinagar, India, India
