Congress deletes post against Modi on Pahalgam; asks leaders to follow party line or face action

New Delhi: After a post from its official handle on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's handling of Pahalgam terror strike triggered a controversy, Congress on Tuesday deleted it and issued a circular asking its leaders, spokespersons, media panelists and the party's Social Media Department to strictly follow party line or face action.

Already under fire from the BJP over the remarks by some leaders like Siddaramaiah, party General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal issued a circular reminding that the Congress Working Committee has cleared a resolution putting forward the party's "clear and considered" stand.

"At this critical juncture, when our collective resolve is being tested, the Indian National Congress must exemplify unity, maturity, and responsibility—virtues that have defined our conduct through decades of national service, in government and in opposition alike...Any deviation, misrepresentation, or off-the-cuff remark that diverges from the official line shall be deemed a serious breach of party discipline," he said.

The action came as Congress and BJP locked horns over the former’s post on Modi accusing him of “missing” in discharging responsibilities in the wake of Pahalgam terror attack with the saffron. The BJP alleged that the main Opposition party was siding with Pakistan.

On Wednesday, Congress posted on ‘X’, “missing from (discharging) responsibility” with an image resembling Modi but without his face. It came hours after the BJP picked up contentious statements by Congress leaders questioning survivors’ claims on religious profiling by terrorists and remarks on Pakistan even as the Opposition party distanced from those remarks.

"...all comments, statements, and representations—whether by party leaders, spokespersons, media panelists, or official handles of the Congress Social Media Department must strictly adhere to the CWC resolution. Any deviation, misrepresentation, or off-the-cuff remark that diverges from the official line shall be deemed a serious breach of party discipline," the circular said even as the post was deleted.

"Every Indian seeks answers on accountability from the government. The Congress party has always shouldered its responsibilities with a profound sense of national duty. Our history bears testimony to the fact that we have consistently placed national interest above all else, especially during moments of national crisis," the circular said.

Venugopal in his circular instructed all functionaries to exercise utmost discipline, and consistency in public communication and those authorised to speak on behalf of the party must confine themselves to the CWC resolution.

"Any contravention of this directive will invite strict disciplinary action without exception. Let us remain mindful of the values and traditions of the Congress Party and rise to the occasion with the dignity and restraint that the nation rightfully expects of us," he said.