"Cannot decide who real target is...": Jairam Ramesh slams BJP over handling of Pahalgam terror attack

New Delhi [India], April 30 (ANI): Amid the political row over the opposition's "Gayab" jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday criticised the BJP, saying the ruling party is confused about whom to "target" after the Pahalgam terror attack.
"The BJP cannot seem to decide who the real target is -- the Congress, the terrorists, or Pakistan," Ramesh told ANI. "At a time like this, the focus should be clear. The real target must be the terrorists, and Pakistan should be given a strong response. Attacking Congress is pointless and irresponsible."
Ramesh said the Congress party had extended full support to the Centre after the April 22 attack, in which 26 civilians, including one Nepali national, were killed in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
"On April 22, we demanded an all-party meeting. It was held two days later. Even though the Prime Minister did not attend, Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi were present and emphasised the need for national unity," he said.
He added that on April 24, the Congress reiterated its position, calling for a firm response against Pakistan and proposing a special session of Parliament to discuss national security. "There has been no response from the government so far," he noted.
Drawing a parallel with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Ramesh accused the BJP of politicising that tragedy as well, by taking out an advertisement in a paper against the Congress.
"This is a time for unity and solidarity. This is a time for demonstrating a collective resolve to teach Pakistan a lesson it will never forget," Ramesh wrote in a post on X.
He, however, highlighted how in 2008, the then Gujarat CM (now PM Modi) went to Mumbai just two days after the attacks and addressed the media there.
"What did the BJP do on November 28th, 2008, just two days after the deadly terror attacks began in Mumbai? In a brazenly unprecedented move, the then Gujarat CM went to Mumbai and, in an act of grandstanding, addressed the media," Ramesh's post read.
"The BJP also issued an awful ad that very day in the newspapers. This is history. Let us now be cohesive at this most sensitive time. The country is waiting," his post added.
In the post shared by him, the ad reads with a blood splatter, 'Brutal terror strikes at will,' ' Weak government, unwilling and incapable, fight terror, vote BJP.'
He mentioned that Congress' stance was consistent, calling for an all-party meeting on the day of the Pahalgam attack itself, which was held two days later and chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, but was not attended by the Prime Minister.
"On the night of April 22 2025, itself, the Indian National Congress had asked for an all-party meeting. The meeting was held two days later, but the Prime Minister did not attend. The CWC Resolution of April 24th 2025, is absolutely clear. The INC and other Opposition parties have also called for a special session of Parliament," Ramesh said in the post.
Earlier in the United Nations, India strongly condemned the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, describing it as the worst civilian attack since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Delivering India's statement at the launch of the Victims of Terrorism Association Network (VoTAN) at the United Nations, Deputy Permanent Representative of India Yojna Patel, said, "The Pahalgam terrorist attack represents the largest number of civilian casualties since the horrific 26/11 Mumbai attacks in 2008. Having been a victim of cross-border terrorism for decades, India fully understands the long-lasting impact such acts have on victims, their families and society."
The terror attack on April 22 in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam targeted tourists, killing 26 people, including one Nepali citizen. Following the Pahalgam terror attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism.
The 2008 Mumbai terror attacks were a series of attacks which took place in November when members of Pakistan-based terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba carried out multiple shootings and bombings at various famous landmarks of Mumbai, including Leopold Cafe, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, Taj Hotel, Oberoi Trident, Nariman House and others. (ANI)