Congress faces backlash as headless ‘Gayab’ kurta post to target Modi on Pahalgam picked by Pakistan minister

Anurag Thakur questions party’s loyalties, compares it to a ‘Pakistan Praising Party’

New Delhi: As India reels from the shock of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a local resident in Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress is facing a political backlash over a controversial social media post — a graphic of a headless kurta labelled “Gayab”, resembling attire worn by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The post, made on Congress’ official X (formerly Twitter) handle, was widely seen as a jibe at the PM for skipping an all-party meeting convened to discuss the tragedy.

But the move backfired. The post was quickly picked up and amplified by former Pakistani minister Fawad Chaudhry, who mocked the Indian leadership while tagging the Congress with the term “Naughty Congress”.

The incident triggered outrage in political circles, with many accusing the opposition party of providing fodder to Pakistan’s propaganda machinery at a time of national mourning and heightened security concerns.

Congress scrambles amid internal chaos and public anger

Facing the heat, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh issued a clarification, saying the intent was to press for a special parliamentary session to debate national security.

“But the damage was done. Critics pointed to the party’s pattern of undermining national consensus on terror and security, citing recent comments by Congress leaders, including Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Minister RB Thimmapur and J&K Congress chief Tariq Karra, who called for talks with Pakistan in the wake of the brutal killings,” said a BJP leader.

To stem further embarrassment, the Congress high command reportedly issued a gag order directing party leaders to refrain from speaking out of turn, especially on sensitive national security matters.

BJP blasts Congress for ‘aiding enemy narrative’

The BJP wasted no time in slamming the Congress for what it termed as “irresponsible and anti-national behavior”.
BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya accused the Congress of behaving like “Pakistan’s sleeper cell” and dishonoring the memory of the victims. “This is not political opposition. This is sabotage,” he said.

Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur questioned the party’s loyalties, comparing it to a “Pakistan Praising Party” and reminding citizens of Congress’ past doubts over surgical strikes post-Pulwama.

Munish Sood