A political controversy erupted following Robert Vadra’s comments regarding the terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. While expressing condolences, Vadra criticized the government for promoting Hindutva, asserting that such actions create discomfort for minorities.
“In our country, we see that this government will talk about Hindutva, and the minorities feel uncomfortable and troubled when you have a survey on mosques or you tell people you cannot pray this way or that way… If you dissect this terrorist act that took place, if they (terrorists) are looking at people’s identity, why are they doing this? Because there’s a divide that has come about in our country with Hindus and Muslims and also Christians,”vadra quotes.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) responded robustly, branding his remarks as shameful. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala condemned attempts to justify jihadist attacks and emphasized the importance of unreserved condemnation of terrorism. He accused Congress of perpetuating narratives that protect radical jihad and criticized the party’s history of blaming security forces after incidents like the Pulwama attack. Poonawala suggested that Congress leaders, including Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, endorse statements that could be perceived as defending Pakistani terrorists, undermining the fight against terrorism.
Vadra stated that the government’s Hindutva rhetoric exacerbates communal divides, which could lead to targeted violence based on identity. National General Secretary Tarun Chugh from the BJP condemned Vadra’s comments as anti-national and questioned whether he was being influenced by anti-national forces, especially in light of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge’s stance on the attack. Chugh, pointing out Vadra’s ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate, criticized his statements as politically ignorant and harmful to national unity. He also raised concerns about the silence of Priyanka Gandhi and urged Sonia to clarify her position, while asserting the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.
