The Congress party on Tuesday removed a controversial social media post from its official X handle that subtly targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, following internal criticism and strong backlash from the BJP.

Party insiders revealed that the post sparked friction within the Congress, prompting senior leaders to intervene. The image in question featured a silhouette without a head and the word "gayab" (missing), a jab at the Prime Minister’s absence from the recent all-party meeting convened in the aftermath of the terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people.

Although the image did not explicitly name PM Modi, the accompanying caption, “Disappears at the time of responsibility,” left little doubt about its intended target.

The BJP reacted strongly, accusing the Congress of amplifying Pakistan-like rhetoric. Addressing a press conference, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia condemned the post, calling it disgraceful and suggesting it aligned with enemy propaganda.

“It wouldn’t be wrong to call them the Lashkar-e-Pakistan Congress,” Bhatia said, asserting that the post weakened the country’s position at a sensitive time. He further alleged that Congress was acting at the behest of Rahul Gandhi and described the party as a haven for those betraying the nation’s interests.

Sources say Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate was instructed to delete the post and reprimanded for allowing content that strayed from the party's official stance. The party’s top leadership was reportedly upset with the communications team for creating unnecessary controversy and hurting the party’s image.

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh earlier commented on the Prime Minister’s absence, stating, “Although PM Modi returned from Saudi Arabia on April 24, he chose to campaign in Bihar instead of attending the all-party meeting. He makes time for election speeches, but not for crucial briefings.”

The episode has added to the political tension between the two parties, already heightened by the fallout of the Pahalgam attack and ongoing general election campaigns.