An FIR was registered on Thursday against the Uttar Pradesh Congress President, Ajay Rai, for allegedly mocking the Indian army's fighter aircraft by showing a 'toy plane' with Rafale written on it and lemon-chillies hanging. The case was filed at the Chetganj police station in Varanasi following a complaint from Pradeep Kumar Gupta, the president of Rashtriya Hindu Shakti Vahini.
Chetganj ACP Gaurav Kumar explained that the complaint, lodged on May 7, 2025, accused Rai of making fun of the army's fighter aircraft Rafale by presenting it like a toy. "Yesterday, a complaint was received at Chetganj police station in which allegations have been made of making fun of our army's fighter aircraft Rafale, hanging lemon and chilli on it, and presenting it like a toy etc. On the basis of the complaint, a case has been registered under the relevant sections. The case has been registered against Congress state President Ajay Rai," Kumar stated.
The controversy erupted after Rai's remarks during a press conference on May 4, where he criticized the government’s handling of terrorism in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack. Rai was seen with a toy plane adorned with lemon and chillies, which he referred to sarcastically as a Rafale jet. He questioned the government's effectiveness, stating, "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's comments were perceived as not only mocking the Indian armed forces but also as an attempt to gain media attention, as suggested by Gupta in his complaint. The FIR includes charges under sections 191(1) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertain to making statements prejudicial to national integration and promoting public mischief. If convicted, Rai could face up to two years in jail or a fine.
The BJP quickly condemned Rai's remarks, labeling them an insult to the armed forces. BJP spokesperson Shahzad Poonawalla stated, "Ajay Rai has insulted the Indian armed forces by calling Rafale a toy. This statement appears to be made at the behest of Rahul Gandhi. Pakistani media is using it for propaganda purposes. The Congress is playing with national security." The BJP's response reflects a broader concern among political leaders regarding the impact of Rai's statements on national security and morale.
The incident has also attracted attention from the media, with segments featuring Rai’s comments being broadcast in Pakistan, further inflaming tensions. A news channel aired the clip during prime time with the headline: "Rafale planes are tied with lemons and chilies and parked in the hangar." This coverage sparked outrage in India, with critics accusing Rai of playing into Pakistan’s propaganda.
Despite the backlash, Rai defended his comments. He stated, "I have said that as the Raksha Mantri has brought Rafale, so when will he use it? I have not made any comment on Rafale. I have just asked when it will be used." He emphasized that his remarks were aimed at urging the government to act against terrorism rather than to demean the armed forces.
Rai's criticism of the government extends beyond the Rafale issue. He has been vocal about the need for decisive action against terrorism, particularly following the Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the loss of lives. He remarked, "Counting the days since the Pahalgam terror attack, I want to ask the government — when will this lemon and chili be removed from the Rafale to avenge the attack?"
In the wake of this controversy, various political leaders have weighed in, with many from the BJP accusing Rai of inciting communal tensions and spreading misinformation. Gupta's complaint described Rai's comments as an act of sedition, alleging that they were intended to demoralize the armed forces and disrupt public peace.
As this situation unfolds, it raises questions about the role of political discourse in national security matters. Critics argue that mocking military capabilities, even in jest, can have serious repercussions, especially in a country where national pride is closely tied to its armed forces. The incident has ignited a debate about the responsibilities of political leaders when addressing sensitive issues related to national defense.
Ajay Rai’s actions have sparked a significant backlash, but they also highlight the ongoing tensions in Indian politics regarding defense and security. As the FIR progresses, it remains to be seen how this controversy will impact Rai's political career and the broader political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.
