In a moment meant for mourning, India’s Home Minister Amit Shah found himself at the center of controversy. During his recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir to pay tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, Shah was seen walking on a red carpet—a visual that quickly stirred backlash online and offline.
The gesture, whether intentional or ceremonial, didn’t sit well with many. Photos and videos of the red carpet sparked a flood of reactions. Critics questioned why a tribute to fallen security personnel was staged with such fanfare. Some felt it looked more like a press event than a solemn moment of national grief.
Shah had come to the region to assess the situation, meet with officials, and show solidarity with those affected. But the optics of walking down a red carpet in a moment of loss overshadowed the purpose of the visit. Even for those who support the government, the image felt out of place—too grand for a moment that called for humility.
Supporters defended the move, calling it a standard protocol and not meant to distract from the tragedy. But the incident has once again opened up a larger conversation: how should leaders conduct themselves in times of national sorrow? At what point does symbolism go too far?
Leave a Reply