New Delhi [India], May 4 (ANI): BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla on Sunday attacked Congress and its leader Ajay Rai, saying calling Pakistan 'brother' and insulting the armed forces has become its identity.

Poonawalla alleged that Ajay Rai made the remarks at Rahul Gandhi's behest, as Rai is considered one of Gandhi's closest associates.

Speaking to ANI, Poonawalla said, 'With a 'toy plane' of Rafale, Congress party is toying with the morale of India's armed forces. This is being done at the behest of Rahul Gandhi. Ajay Rai is considered one of Rahul Gandhi's closest leaders. In the all-party meeting, Rahul Gandhi says that they stand with the country and armed forces. As soon as he comes out of the all-party meeting, prioritising 'vote bank neeti' over 'rashtra neeti' (national interests), they gave clean chit to Pakistan, advocated for it and dealt a blow to the morale of armed forces. Why is a continuous attack being made on the morale of armed forces? Congress party is not taking action because calling Pakistan 'brother' and insulting the armed forces has become its identity. Pakistan and Congress are two bodies but speak the same language.'

Earlier today, Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai criticised the central government's 'big talk and no action' against perpetrators of the Pahalgam terror attack, saying that they purchased Rafale fighter jets but those are lying in hangars with 'nimbu mirchi' (lemon and chillies) hanging on them.

Displaying a toy plane with Rafale written on it and with lemon-chillies hanging on it, Ajay Rai said, '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?'

Hanging 'nimbu-mirchi' from vehicles is believed to ward off bad luck and the evil eye

Rai's remarks triggered strong condemnation from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders.

Shiv Sena leader Shaina NC on Sunday criticised Uttar Pradesh Congress President Ajay Rai over his 'nimbu mirchi on Rafale' remarks, saying that the party can go to any extent to gain attention.

Speaking to ANI, Shaina NC said, 'Congress party and Ajay Rai can go to any extent for media attention. Also, during Balakot, they raised questions. Only when the Indian government, under the leadership of PM Modi, gives a befitting reply will they be silenced. By the time they can continue to play with toys, we will continue to do our work.'

BJP leader CR Kesavan condemned the 'reprehensible' action by the Congress leader which he said was 'trying to lower the morale and resolve of our armed forces.'

'The Congress Party and its leaders are being disloyal to India and our people, and the Congress leaders are deliberately trying to defame and demoralise our brave armed forces. The deplorable statements by Ajay Rai, UP Congress chief, from where Rahul Gandhi is MP, are most condemnable. Congress leaders are reprehensible, repeated offenders who are repeatedly dishonourably trying to lower the morale and resolve of our armed forces. But the Congress party's sinister ploy will not be successful...', Kesavan said.

Terrorists shot and killed 26 people, mostly tourists, in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22.

The government has affirmed its resolve to deal a crushing blow to terrorism. It has said that the terrorists responsible for the attack and the conspirators behind it will face severe punishment.

The Central government has given the armed forces complete operational freedom to decide on the mode, targets, and timing of India's response.

The Central government convened an all-party meeting after the terror attack and Opposition parties have expressed their full support for any action taken by the government against the perpetrators of the terror attack.

In the briefing to the Cabinet Committee on Security meeting held a day after the terror attack, the cross-border linkages of the terrorist attack were brought out. It was noted that this attack came in the wake of the successful holding of elections in Jammu and Kashmir and its steady progress towards economic growth and development.

The government has announced a series of measures, including putting the Indus Water Treaty in abeyance, to send a strong message to Pakistan for its support to cross-border terrorism. (ANI)