Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, May 5: A political face-off has erupted after Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai held up a toy Rafale jet strung with lemons and green chillies — a traditional talisman to ward off evil — questioning the Centre’s failure to act against recent terror attacks. The move triggered strong backlash from the BJP, which accused the Congress of insulting India’s military.

Rai’s act came in response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians were reportedly killed based on their religion. He demanded answers on why the Rafale jets, purchased at great cost, were not being used to respond decisively to such threats.

“This charm was not tied by me, but by the government,” Rai told IANS. “The people, and those who lost their lives in Pahalgam, want to know — was Rafale bought for display or to take action against enemies?”

Congress MP Imran Masood echoed Rai’s concerns, questioning the Modi government’s silence. “Rafales aren’t showpieces. Indira Gandhi once showed how to deal with threats decisively. That’s the kind of leadership India needs today,” he said.

Congress leader Udit Raj also weighed in, clarifying that Rai’s gesture was symbolic and not an attack on the armed forces. “This is about demanding action against terrorists, not mocking our military,” he said.

However, the BJP came down hard. National General Secretary Tarun Chugh accused Congress leaders of echoing “Pakistan’s ISI narrative” and undermining national morale.

“Mocking the very weapons our soldiers rely on is a disgrace. Congress has aligned itself with anti-India elements, intentionally or not,” Chugh said.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla went further, dubbing the party “Anti-National Congress.” He alleged Rai’s act was designed for international headlines. “This isn’t just politics. This is about demoralising our forces and boosting Pakistan’s propaganda,” he said.

BJP MP Sanjay Jaiswal accused the Congress of being influenced by foreign-funded NGOs and playing into the hands of external forces.

The controversy comes amid India’s recent Rs 63,000 crore deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, hailed by the Modi government as a major boost to national defence capabilities. The Rafale-M is designed for maritime operations and is part of India's strategic modernisation.

The row has quickly turned into a flashpoint in the ongoing political discourse around national security, defence spending, and political accountability.