NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai mocked the BJP-led central government on Sunday by holding up a 'toy plane', labelled as 'Rafale' with lemon and chillies dangling from it.
Rai said that the government "brought Rafale, but they are in their hangars having chilly and lemon hanging in them."
The visual, shown to reporters, featured Rai criticising the Centre following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people. Rai accused the Union government of making high-profile defence purchases without supporting them with decisive action.
“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?” Rai said.
In response to Congress leader Rai’s mockery of the Rafale jets using a toy plane, the BJP hit back sharply, accusing the party of demoralising the armed forces and aligning with Pakistan's narrative. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, "With a 'toy plane' of Rafale, Congress is toying with the morale of India’s armed forces. This is being done at the behest of Rahul Gandhi."
" Pakistan ko kehna bhaijaan, sena ka karna apman - ye Congress ki pehchan ban chuki hai, Pakistan aur Congress do shareer aur bole ek hi zubaan." he added.
Meanwhile, BJP's Pradeep Bhandari alleged a recurring pattern where Congress leaders echo Pakistani propaganda soon after Rahul Gandhi claims support for the government’s actions.
"24 hours ago, Charanjit Singh Channi was demanding proof of 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, Congress party officially spreads propaganda of Pakistani Terror Deep State," he said.
BJP ally, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also criticised Congress, saying, "They can keep playing with toys, we’ll keep doing the real work."
The Congress leader’s comments come amid India’s latest defence acquisition, which includes a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft . The agreement, signed earlier this week, is aimed at strengthening India’s naval strike capabilities.
The Rafale-M jets are equipped for maritime strike, reconnaissance, and air defence roles. The PM Modi government has called the purchase a major step for strengthening national defence.
Rai said that the government "brought Rafale, but they are in their hangars having chilly and lemon hanging in them."
The visual, shown to reporters, featured Rai criticising the Centre following the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 26 people. Rai accused the Union government of making high-profile defence purchases without supporting them with decisive action.
#WATCH | Varanasi | Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai shows a 'toy plane' with Rafale written on it and lemon-chillies hanging in it.
— ANI (@ANI) May 4, 2025
Ajay Rai says, "Terrorist activities have increased in the country, and people are suffering from it. Our youth lost their lives in the… pic.twitter.com/wIwLsa4akD
“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?” Rai said.
In response to Congress leader Rai’s mockery of the Rafale jets using a toy plane, the BJP hit back sharply, accusing the party of demoralising the armed forces and aligning with Pakistan's narrative. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said, "With a 'toy plane' of Rafale, Congress is toying with the morale of India’s armed forces. This is being done at the behest of Rahul Gandhi."
" Pakistan ko kehna bhaijaan, sena ka karna apman - ye Congress ki pehchan ban chuki hai, Pakistan aur Congress do shareer aur bole ek hi zubaan." he added.
Meanwhile, BJP's Pradeep Bhandari alleged a recurring pattern where Congress leaders echo Pakistani propaganda soon after Rahul Gandhi claims support for the government’s actions.
"24 hours ago, Charanjit Singh Channi was demanding proof of 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, Congress party officially spreads propaganda of Pakistani Terror Deep State," he said.
BJP ally, Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC also criticised Congress, saying, "They can keep playing with toys, we’ll keep doing the real work."
The Congress leader’s comments come amid India’s latest defence acquisition, which includes a Rs 63,000 crore deal with France for 26 Rafale Marine fighter aircraft . The agreement, signed earlier this week, is aimed at strengthening India’s naval strike capabilities.
The Rafale-M jets are equipped for maritime strike, reconnaissance, and air defence roles. The PM Modi government has called the purchase a major step for strengthening national defence.
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