Congress MP and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi paid a brief but poignant visit to Kanpur on Wednesday to meet the grieving family of Shubham Dwivedi, a young man tragically killed in the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu & Kashmir on April 22. The visit came shortly after Gandhi’s two-day trip to Raebareli and Amethi, where he reconnected with constituents and unveiled the statue of Subhas Chandra Bose.

This visit to Kanpur underscores the Congress leader’s continuing efforts to stand with victims of national tragedies, reflecting the party’s ongoing message of national unity and compassion.

A Family Devastated by Terror

Shubham Dwivedi, a 31-year-old businessman, had recently married on February 12. Just two months into his married life, he set off on a family vacation to Kashmir with his wife and nine other family members. What was meant to be a time of joy turned into a nightmare, when terrorists opened fire in Pahalgam, killing 26 people—including Shubham—right in front of his wife.

The Dwivedi household was shattered. Shubham’s sudden demise has sparked a national outpouring of grief and has ignited further debate on internal security in Kashmir.

Gandhi’s Previous Visit to Kashmir

Following the April 22 attack, Rahul Gandhi had rushed to Kashmir to meet families of those affected and visit the injured. His presence in Kashmir was seen as a symbolic gesture of national solidarity.

According to UP Congress Chief Ajay Rai, Gandhi’s visit to Kanpur was a continuation of that effort. "Rahul ji plans to meet Shubham's kin to share their grief and assure them that the Congress party stands with them at this moment," Rai stated. Rai himself had attended Shubham’s last rites on April 23.

Political Messaging Alongside Emotional Support

Gandhi’s visit was also marked by a clear political message. Before arriving in Kanpur, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi jointly wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a joint session of Parliament to address the Pahalgam terror attack and its broader implications on national security.

The move aims to highlight Congress’s demand for accountability and debate, contrasting it with what the party has portrayed as silence from the ruling BJP.

Yogi Adityanath’s Visit and BJP’s Response

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had also visited Shubham Dwivedi’s family on April 23, just a day after the attack. Adityanath assured the bereaved family that "no stone would be left unturned" in the effort to bring the attackers to justice.

However, tensions flared as posters opposing Rahul Gandhi’s visit were seen in parts of Raebareli. A BJP leader from Harchandpur put up a banner that read: "Tum jaativaad se todoge, hum rashtravaad se jodenge." This translates to a rejection of what they called Gandhi’s divisive politics in favour of patriotic unity.

Adding to the political friction was a Congress social media post titled ‘Gayab’ (missing), seemingly aimed at BJP leadership’s silence on the terror incident. The post triggered backlash from BJP leaders, who accused the Congress of politicising a national tragedy.

A Contrast in Political Leadership

The contrasting responses of Rahul Gandhi and PM Modi’s government to the Pahalgam tragedy have become a hotbed of political debate. While Congress has chosen a direct, emotional, and visible approach, BJP has focused on governance, security assurances, and administrative follow-ups.

This dichotomy has stirred public discourse across TV debates, social media, and among political analysts, especially in the lead-up to further Lok Sabha proceedings.

Reconnecting with Raebareli and Amethi

Rahul Gandhi’s UP visit wasn't limited to grief. He spent a significant amount of time engaging with residents of Raebareli, where he was recently elected MP. The visit was symbolic, as Raebareli has been a bastion of the Congress party, once represented by his mother Sonia Gandhi.

He also visited Amethi, the constituency he lost in 2019 to BJP’s Smriti Irani, but which had earlier sent him to Parliament three times. The return signaled Congress’s resolve to reconnect with its former strongholds.

At Civil Lines Chauraha in Raebareli, Gandhi unveiled a statue of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, a moment infused with historical symbolism and national pride. He mingled with the masses, heard their grievances, and attempted to rekindle local trust in Congress.

A Time of Grief and Strategy

While Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Shubham’s family was deeply personal and emotional, it also fit into a broader strategy of demonstrating political presence and national empathy. The Congress is clearly attempting to portray itself as a party grounded in human connection, standing by the people during national crises.

Meanwhile, BJP has responded with administrative support and public order assurance, appealing to voters through the lens of nationalism and governance stability.

Conclusion

Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Kanpur to meet Shubham Dwivedi’s bereaved family reflects a blend of political duty and human compassion. Coming in the aftermath of one of the most tragic terror attacks in recent times, the move signals Congress’s intent to be seen as a party of the people—both in grief and in governance.

The events also reflect the increasingly tense political climate ahead of upcoming sessions of Parliament, where calls for accountability and national unity will dominate discussions. As political parties shape their narrative, the tragedy in Pahalgam and Shubham’s sacrifice remain at the heart of a larger national conversation.

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