A fresh political row erupted after Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai mocked the central government by displaying a toy Rafale fighter jet adorned with lemons and green chillies, traditional symbols used to ward off evil.
The gesture, made in the wake of the recent Pahalgam terror attack, has ignited sharp reactions from both the Congress and the BJP camps.
Ajay Rai made the symbolic gesture during a public appearance, questioning the government’s use of Rafale jets.
Rai told IANS that the government tied the charm, as he held up the toy plane.
“People want answers. The victims of the Pahalgam attack want to know — did the government buy the Rafale for rituals or for national defence? I didn’t tie the charm,” he stated.
Rai’s remarks came after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam left 26 civilians dead, reportedly targeted based on their religion.
Congress MP Imran Masood backed Rai, questioning the government’s military response. “Why aren’t Rafale jets being used? Are they only for display?” Masood asked.
He invoked former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s leadership, saying, “The nation expects decisive action today — not empty words.”
Congress leader Udit Raj also defended Rai, insisting the remarks did not target the armed forces.
“We’re not insulting the Army. We’re demanding action against terrorists. Pakistan continues to provoke us. This shouldn’t be misinterpreted,” he said.
The BJP launched a scathing response, accusing Congress of disrespecting national defence and echoing enemy narratives.
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh said, “From Siddaramaiah to Ajay Rai, Congress leaders are repeating Pakistan’s script. Mocking the weapons our soldiers revere is disgraceful and anti-national.”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla intensified the attack, calling Congress the ‘Anti-National Congress (ANS)’.
He said, “Ajay Rai, a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, hasn’t just mocked Rafale but hurt the morale of our armed forces. Pakistani media even highlighted his actions. This isn’t politics — it’s aligning with anti-India rhetoric.”
Poonawalla also reminded the public of Congress’s earlier doubts over India’s military strikes and alleged they had given Pakistan a ‘clean chit’.
The controversy unfolded just after India signed a ₹63,000 crore deal with France to acquire 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets.
The Modi government has promoted the deal as a significant enhancement of India’s naval strike and defence capabilities.
The Rafale-M jets, designed for maritime operations, support strike missions, reconnaissance, and air defence, reinforcing India’s preparedness in regional security.
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