Congress changes tack after backlash over 'missing' PM post: 'Toe party line on Pahalgam'

Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal. (PTI/File)

The Congress switched to damage control mode on Wednesday as comments by some of its leaders and a social media post from its official handle on X drew some harsh criticism for the party from the BJP as well as some Opposition leaders.

The Congress party has now asked its leaders and social media departments to "exercise utmost discipline, and consistency in public communication” and “confine themselves to the CWC’s stated position in the resolution” adopted in wake of the Pahalgam terror attack.

All Congress party leaders and functionaries are directed to adhere strictly to the official CWC resolution on the Pahalgam attack passed on April 24, 2025 pic.twitter.com/u0GIc3QhTl
K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) April 29, 2025

"Those authorised to speak on behalf of the party must confine themselves to the CWC's stated position in the resolution passed on April 24, 2025. Any contravention of this directive will invite strict disciplinary action without exception," said a circular issued by Congress general secretary in charge for organisation KC Venugopal Tuesday night.

"It is, therefore, hereby directed that all comments, statements, and representations-whether by party leaders, spokespersons, media panelists, or official handles of the Congress Social Media Department must strictly adhere to the CWC resolution. Any deviation, misrepresentation, or off-the-cuff remark that diverges from the official line shall be deemed a serious breach of party discipline," the circular read.

The part further said that it is deeply anguished by the reprehensible terrorist attack in Pahalgam and stands in unwavering solidarity with the nation during this hour of grief”.

“At this critical juncture, when our collective resolve is being tested, the Indian National Congress must exemplify unity, maturity, and responsibility virtues that have defined our conduct through decades of national service, in government and in opposition alike,” the circular read.

It further said that the CWC resolution adopted on April 24 has set "forth the party’s clear and considered stand on the Pahalgam attack".

"This resolution must serve as the sole basis for all public expressions of the party’s stance on the matter,” the circular said, adding that every Indian seeks answers on accountability from the government. "The Congress party has always shouldered its responsibilities with a profound sense of national duty," it added.

Notably, several of its own leaders had refused to pay heed to a "gag order" issued by the Congress leadership asking them to desist from making any statements on the Pahalgam attack that diverges from the party line on the matter.

Besides, some top leaders including Jairam Ramesh cntinued to question the Prime Minister's alleged "absence" in comments to the media while also extending solidarity with the government. An explanation of sorts on the "Gayab" post on X by Karnataka minister Dinesh Gundu Rao also backfired as he continued to raise the same questions on the PM's supposed "absence".

The remarks also came in for criticism from Opposition leaders like National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah and Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati.