Rahul Gandhi's Kashmir Pandits Misstatement Draws Criticism

During a rally in Jammu, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi mistakenly referred to Kashmiri Pandits as 'refugees from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK)' before quickly correcting himself. He initially stated that promises made by former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to PoK refugees would be fulfilled, but immediately clarified that he meant Kashmiri Pandits. This gaffe drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who used it to question Gandhi's competence and highlight the Congress party's struggles with Kashmir issues. BJP's Amit Malviya and Vishnu Vardhan Reddy mocked Gandhi's mix-up, implying it revealed deeper issues within the Congress leadership. The controversy comes amid ongoing elections in Jammu and Kashmir, where the plight of Kashmiri Pandits is a significant campaign theme for both the BJP and Congress. Both parties are vying for the support of this community, with the BJP promoting a new rehabilitation plan named after a slain Kashmiri Pandit leader.