Former Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has hit out at the Congress party for its recent social media post questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visibility following the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The senior politician urged political parties to show restraint after extending support to the central leadership during critical national security situations.

Congress’ Controversial Post Sparks Backlash

The controversy began when the Congress party posted an image on social media that appeared to mock Prime Minister Modi’s absence after the Pahalgam attack. The graphic, captioned “Zimmedari ke samay — Gayab”, displayed the Prime Minister’s clothes without his body, metaphorically suggesting that he was “missing in action.”

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reacted sharply, accusing the Congress of posting content that echoed “sar tan se juda” (beheading) symbolism — a reference to extremist slogans — and described it as a deliberate attempt to weaken the country’s resolve during a national crisis.

Farooq Abdullah Breaks Ranks with Congress on PM Modi

Interestingly, it was Farooq Abdullah, a senior ally of the Congress through the INDIA bloc, who stepped in to defend the Prime Minister. “Where is he missing? I know he is in Delhi,” Abdullah said when asked about the Congress' post. He went on to say that since the National Conference had pledged full support to the government in this crisis, it was not appropriate to question the PM’s presence or actions.

“We have given our full support to the Prime Minister. After that, we should not be questioning him. Let him do what needs to be done,” Abdullah stated in a sharp rebuke aimed at the Congress' media team.

Changing Tone on Pakistan

In a significant departure from his earlier political stance, Farooq Abdullah, who has often been criticised for being soft on Pakistan, strongly condemned Islamabad for its alleged role in the Pahalgam attack. He said that Pakistan has “murdered humanity” in Jammu and Kashmir and underscored the need for decisive action.

“I used to favour dialogue with Pakistan every time… But today, how will we answer those who lost their loved ones? The time for talking is over. The nation demands action so that such attacks never happen again,” he declared.

Rejecting the Two-Nation Theory Again

Abdullah also used the moment to reaffirm his belief in India’s secular and united ethos. He reminded critics and adversaries alike that “We did not go with Pakistan in 1947, so why would we go now?” Referring to the outdated two-nation theory, he asserted:

“We threw the two-nation theory into the water then, and we are not accepting it now. Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christians — we are all one. Pakistan must abandon its delusion.”

His speech carried undertones of nationalism and unity, a stark shift from earlier calls for Indo-Pak dialogue.

Unity During Crisis: The Political Call for Responsibility

Abdullah’s remarks have sparked discussion across the political spectrum. Coming from a veteran Kashmiri leader and a Congress ally, his rebuke of the Congress party's strategy of targeting PM Modi during national emergencies sends a clear signal — national unity must trump political gains in moments of crisis.

His appeal could potentially shift public discourse toward supporting decisive military or diplomatic action against those responsible for attacks like the one in Pahalgam.

BJP Seizes on Abdullah's Remarks

The BJP was quick to amplify Abdullah’s comments, with several party leaders using his statements to suggest growing cracks within the INDIA bloc. They also used his words to corner the Congress, alleging that the opposition is increasingly isolated in its attempts to politicise national tragedies.

The Congress, on the other hand, deleted the controversial post, but the damage was already done.

National Security vs Political Messaging

This episode highlights the ongoing tension between political messaging and national security concerns. While social media has become a battleground for political parties, incidents like the Pahalgam terror attack test the limits of what is considered acceptable public discourse.

Farooq Abdullah’s intervention stands out as a rare instance of a political leader putting national interest above partisan considerations, especially at a time when political alliances are polarised.

What This Means for Opposition Unity

These remarks from a prominent Congress ally also raise questions about the cohesion of the INDIA bloc, particularly on issues related to national security and foreign policy. While the alliance aims to unseat the ruling BJP in upcoming elections, divergent stances like these show that internal coordination remains a challenge.

Conclusion: A Call for Political Maturity

In moments of national tragedy, political maturity and responsible communication are essential. Farooq Abdullah’s statement reminds political stakeholders that questioning the leadership at times of war or tragedy can be counterproductive, especially when the country is watching closely.

By defending the Prime Minister and condemning Pakistan, Abdullah sent a clear message: The nation comes first.

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