Overview

• The Congress high command issued a directive warning leaders against making 'irresponsible' statements following internal discord over the Pahalgam terror attack.
• Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh clarified that only authorized AICC office-bearers' views represent the party's official stance.
• BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad criticized Congress for its leaders' comments, alleging they are being exploited by Pakistan to tarnish India's reputation.
• Divergent statements by Congress leaders included calls for dialogue with Pakistan, critiques of intelligence failures, and controversial remarks on communal implications of the attack.
• The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, which killed 26 tourists, has intensified political debates on security and India's approach to Pakistan.