New Delhi [India], May 4 : Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai on Sunday drew flak from NDA leaders after he criticised the Central government's "big talk and no action" against perpetrators of Pahalgam terror attack saying that they purchased Rafale fighter jets but those are lying in hangars with "nimbu mirchi" (lemon and chillies) hanging on them.
Hitting out at Rai, BJP National Spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said that as soon as Pakistani propaganda is banned in India, the Congress party officially spreads propaganda of the Pakistani Terror Deep State.
"The Congress party has become an official spokesperson of the Pakistani Terror Deep State. We can see a pattern that whenever Rahul Gandhi steps forward, he gives full support to PM Narendra Modi's Government, that they take action against Pakistani Terror Deep State, and in less than 24 hours some or other Congress leader comes and speaks in support of Pakistan. 24 hours ago, Charanjit Singh Channi was demanding proof of a surgical strike. He retracted his statement. Then again, in less than 24 hours, UP Congress president mocks our armed forces and shows a toy plane. This makes it clear that as soon as Pakistani propaganda is banned in India, the Congress party officially spreads propaganda of Pakistani Terror Deep State," Bhandari told ANI.
"Rahul Gandhi has neither suspended or removed even one of these leaders. He has not served them showcase notice either. It is clear that this Pakistani propaganda, which is being run by Congress leaders in India and attempting to demoralise our morals - it writer, political director and political producer is none other than Rahul Gandhi. It has become clear once again that Congress is an anti-national party," he added.
BJP's Shehzad Poonawalla attacked Congress and its leader Ajay Rai, saying calling Pakistan 'brother' and insulting the armed forces has become its identity.
Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla said, "With a 'toy plane' of Rafale, Congress party is toying with the morale of India's armed forces. This is being done at the behest of Rahul Gandhi. Ajay Rai is considered one of Rahul Gandhi's closest leaders. In the all-party meeting, Rahul Gandhi says that they stand with the country and armed forces. As soon as he comes out of the all-party meeting, prioritising 'vote bank neeti' over 'rashtra neeti' (national interests), they gave clean chit to Pakistan, advocated for it and dealt a blow to the morale of armed forces. Why is a continuous attack being made on the morale of armed forces? Congress party is not taking action because calling Pakistan 'brother' and insulting the armed forces has become its identity. Pakistan and Congress are two bodies but speak the same language."
Former diplomat KP Fabian also commented over 'nimbu mirchi' on Rafale' row, and said, "He is trivialising a serious matter by showing that picture and all. It is better for us to leave it to the government to choose the timing and the manner of action rather than publicly egg on the government. This is a time and a matter where we all stand together. You can express that if you have political differences, but not this way."
Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Sunday criticised Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai over his 'nimbu mirchi on Rafale' remarks, saying that the party can go to any extent to gain attention.
Speaking to ANI, Shaina NC said, "The Congress party and Ajay Rai can go to any extent for media attention. Also, during Balakot, they raised questions. Only when the Indian government, under the leadership of PM Modi, gives a befitting reply will they be silenced. By the time they can continue to play with toys, we will continue to do our work."
Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai criticised the central government's "big talk and no action" against perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack, saying that they purchased Rafale fighter jets but those are lying in hangars with "nimbu mirchi" (lemon and chillies) hanging on them.
Displaying a toy plane with Rafale written on it and with lemon-chillies hanging on it, Ajay Rai said, "Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack... But, this government, which talks a lot, says that they will crush terrorists - they brought Rafale, but they are in their hangars having chilly and lemon hanging in them. When will they take action against terrorists, those who support them, and their backers?"
Hanging 'nimbu-mirchi' from vehicles is believed to ward off bad luck and the evil eye.