New Delhi: The Congress party on Monday distanced itself from remarks made by some of its leaders regarding the recent Pahalgam terror attack, terming them "personal opinion". It emphasised that the official stance of the party is reflected only through the Congress Working Committee (CWC) resolution and statements by senior leaders and authorised AICC office-bearers.

Speaking to media, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said, "It is right that some leaders of the Congress party are saying several things, but this is their personal opinion. I want to make it clear that no one has given them the right to say all this... The Congress party has nothing to do with these statements, and the party does not agree with such statements."

Official views expressed by CWC and senior leaders

Ramesh further explained, "Some Congress leaders who have had important positions in the past, senior leaders have expressed some views. The Congress Party has nothing to do with these views. We dissociate ourselves from these views. These are personal views. The views of the Congress are the views expressed in the resolution of the CWC. The views expressed by the Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi in this all-party meeting. As the situation evolves in this most sensitive of times, the Congress Working Committee, the Congress President, Lok Sabha LoP will be articulating the party's position."

He also stressed the need for unity and cooperation between the government and the Opposition. "What individual Congress leaders are saying is their view. The Congress party's view is the view in the CWC resolution, the views expressed by the Congress President and the LoP in the Lok Sabha. There have been security lapses and intelligence failures. However, we need unity, solidarity, a collective will, a collective response and constant communication between the Govt and the Opposition. We understand the gravity of the situation and we must stand united," Ramesh said.

Congress reiterates official stance online

Jairam Ramesh reiterated the party’s stance on X, stating that the CWC had met on 24 April 2025 and passed a resolution on the brutal terror attack on tourists in Pahalgam that had occurred two days earlier. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi attended the all-party meeting and presented the party's views.

"Some Congress leaders have been speaking to the media. They speak for themselves and do not reflect the INC's views. There should be absolutely no doubt whatsoever at this most sensitive of times that the CWC resolution, the views expressed by Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi and the views of authorised AICC office-bearers ALONE represent the position of the INC," Ramesh said.

Controversial remarks by Congress leaders

The controversy arose after remarks by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, which he later clarified. Additionally, Congress leader Saifuddin Soz suggested that if Pakistan denies involvement in the Pahalgam terror attack, "let's accept that for a time and ultimately go by investigating agencies". He further stated that India and Pakistan are neighbours and that "nothing will work between the two countries except dialogue".

Background: Pahalgam terror attack

The terror attack on 22 April in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam targeted tourists, resulting in the deaths of 26 people, including one Nepali citizen. Following the attack, India has taken strong measures against Pakistan for its support of cross-border terrorism.

(ANI inputs)