When the Nation Mourns, Laughter Hurts: Congress Slams PM Modi’s Rally Amid Pahalgam Grief
India is reeling from the shock and horror of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 innocent lives, including a Nepali citizen, were brutally taken in a sudden burst of gunfire in Kashmir’s “mini Switzerland.” Yet, as the nation grapples with pain, a very different scene unfolded in Bihar — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sharing laughs on stage with Nitish Kumar, campaigning and rallying, seemingly untouched by the national tragedy.
This stark contrast between the grieving families in Kashmir and the festive tone of the political rally in Bihar has not only left many Indians speechless but also sparked sharp criticism from the Congress party and the public at large.
मोदी की बेशर्मी से देश आहत है pic.twitter.com/3SuINDPpHC
— Congress (@INCIndia) April 25, 2025
Congress: “Where Is the Prime Minister’s Voice for the Victims?”
Silence in the Face of Suffering
Congress leaders have vocally criticized the Prime Minister for not addressing the Pahalgam attack with the urgency and gravity it demands. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, “Innocents are being slaughtered in Kashmir. And PM Modi is laughing on stage in Bihar? Where is the empathy? Where is the leadership?”
Another Congress spokesperson, Supriya Shrinate, stated in a press conference, “The Prime Minister has time for rallies, but no time to meet the families of the victims or even tweet about the attack. Is this the ‘New India’ he promised us?”
A Nation’s Pain Ignored?
Families Mourn, Leaders Move On
Images from Kashmir show grieving mothers, blood-stained fields, and children without fathers. The security forces have since demolished the homes of seven identified terrorists, including Lashkar operatives, but the public outcry is not just about the terrorists — it’s about accountability at the top.
In Perungam, a father who lost his only son in the attack said through tears, “Our leaders should feel our pain. Where are they when we need them?”
This emotional disconnect is what has made PM Modi’s light-hearted public appearance feel like a punch in the gut to many.
Modi-Nitish Show: A Stage Too Soon?
Politics vs. Humanity
The rally in Bihar, originally planned as a show of unity between PM Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, turned into a public relations spectacle, complete with cheerful banter and stage hugs. While political optics are crucial in election season, the timing of this display — just days after the most brutal terror attack in recent memory — has drawn criticism even from apolitical citizens.
Political analyst Dr. Anita Kulkarni noted, “It’s not about cancelling the rally. It’s about the tone. There should’ve been a message of mourning, of unity in grief. Instead, we saw laughter.”
Rising Tensions and Unanswered Questions
National Security and Political Priorities
The terror attack has also reignited debate on India’s security strategy in Kashmir and the government’s Pakistan policy. While the government has expelled Pakistani military officials and suspended the Indus Water Treaty, critics argue that strong words are not enough.
The Congress is now demanding:
A detailed briefing on how such a large-scale attack was not prevented.
Answers on intelligence failures, if any.
Immediate visits by top leadership to affected families.
“You can’t fight terrorism with PR stunts. You need policy, empathy, and action,” said Congress MP Manish Tewari.
The People Are Watching
Citizens Demand Compassion and Accountability
The people of India are watching — and they are not just watching terrorist activities; they’re watching how their leaders respond. The disconnect between Kashmir and Bihar, between grief and campaign glamour, has left a sour taste.
On social media, hashtags like #PahalgamAttack and #InsensitivePM are trending, showing that the public isn’t ready to move on — and expects its leaders to stand with them in their darkest hour.
