I was hoping you will click the 2nd link (Indian express), anyway here is the excerpt:
"Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday warned India’s “neighbours” not to mistake its desire for friendship with them for its weakness and said the country would give terrorists a befitting reply. “We will not bow before terrorists. We will give a befitting reply,” Sonia told an election rally here right on the Line of Control."
If it is not using the current situation in rallies then what is?
Why shouldn't she use the current situation in rallies? I see nothing wrong with the statement you quoted, it seems very appropriate. Nothing incendiary about them whatsoever.
Indian politicians have every right to say (wherever they choose) that they will not bow before terrorists. Very appropriate to also say a desire for friendship is not a sign of weakness.