Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Mayawati on Wednesday called for national political unity after the ghastly terror attack at Pahalgam killed 26 civilians, asking all the parties to support the Centre's action regardless of political rivalry.
With political friction rising and intra-party conflicts sparked by the attack, Mayawati took to the internet to send out a clear signal.
"All must take hands with the government and rally behind it for every and all steps taken by the government in the Pahalgam terror attack. Instead of playing filthy politics in its name by distributing posters and press statements, etc., because it is misleading people, which is not good for the country," she posted on X.
Mayawati’s remarks also carried a stern caution to opposition parties, particularly the Congress and the Samajwadi Party (SP). She stressed that any disrespect towards Dr. B.R. Ambedkar would be met with strong opposition from the BSP.
"For them, in this scenario, the author of Indian Constitution, most highly respected Baba Saheb Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, must not be humiliated at all costs. Especially SP and Congress must take extra precautions in dealing with this or else BSP can get on to the road against them," she threatened.
Her remark comes in the aftermath of a controversy that was sparked by a now-deleted tweet by the Congress on X. The photo was of a headless man in a kurta-churidar with the caption, "Jimmedari ke samay-- GAYAB (Invisible at the time of responsibility)," which was condemned by the BJP as being akin to extremist imagery that is associated with "Sar tan se juda" threats to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Responding to the criticism, the Congress removed the post and requested its members to be cautious while responding to the attack.
The party made it clear that only comments by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, senior leader Rahul Gandhi, and approved AICC spokespersons would be considered representative of its position.
Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal supported this stand, warning that any comment deviating from the party line would be considered a serious violation of party discipline.
Repeating the party's condemnation of the violence, Venugopal said, "At this juncture when collective will is being tried, the Indian National Congress has to demonstrate unity, maturity, and responsibility -- traits that have marked its conduct over decades of national service, in government or opposition."
He also reiterated the party's "deep regret at the dastardly terrorist attack in Pahalgam" and its "unflinching support to the nation at this hour of grief."
Read also| Union Cabinet to Convene on Wednesday, First Meeting Since April 22 Pahalgam Attack
