Daijiworld Media Network - Kanpur
Kanpur, Apr 30: Congress MP and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, visited the grieving family of Shubham Dwivedi, a Kanpur resident who tragically lost his life in the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
The atmosphere at Shubham Dwivedi's residence was charged with emotion as Rahul Gandhi arrived. Shubham’s wife, Aishanya (31), broke down in tears upon seeing him, prompting Rahul to embrace and console her. Shubham’s father, Sanjay Dwivedi, was also overcome with grief.
During the interaction, Aishanya pleaded with Rahul Gandhi to ensure her late husband is officially recognized as a martyr. Rahul Gandhi assured her that he would write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and raise the issue in Parliament.
“I will do everything in my power to ensure that Shubham’s sacrifice is duly recognized,” he told the family.
Aishanya recounted to Rahul how Shubham was reportedly targeted by terrorists who inquired about his religion before opening fire. Rahul Gandhi listened intently and condemned the brutality of the attack.
In a poignant moment, Sanjay Dwivedi asked Rahul Gandhi, “You have also suffered this pain. If your grandmother (Indira Gandhi) were alive today, would such attacks be happening in the country?”
Rahul Gandhi responded, “If my grandmother were alive, Pakistan would have been dealt with like in 1971. Such attacks would not have taken place inside India.”
Rahul Gandhi also facilitated a call between the grieving family and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, allowing her to offer her condolences.
Rahul Gandhi spent approximately 28 minutes with the Dwivedi family before departing for Delhi from Kanpur’s Chakeri Airport.
Following the visit, Rahul Gandhi posted on X, “Today I met the family members of Shubham Dwivedi, who was martyred in the cowardly terror attack in Pahalgam and consoled them. The whole country stands with the bereaved families in this sad moment. Strict and concrete action should be taken against the terrorists, and the victim families should get justice. For this purpose, the united opposition has given full support to the government and has demanded a special session of the Parliament.”
Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi inaugurated an open-heart surgery operation theatre at the Sanjay Gandhi Hospital and dedicated it to the public. He also visited the Indo-Russian Rifle Private Limited facility, inaugurated a new ambulance service, and inspected the Indira Gandhi Institute before heading to Kanpur.