Vadra’s ‘Muslims feeling weakened’ remarks stoke political controversy, BJP reacts
Robert Vadra sparked a major political controversy on Wednesday after linking the deadly Pahalgam attack in south Kashmir to what he described as a “growing divide between Hindus and Muslims” in the country.
“If you dissect this terrorist act that took place — if they (the terrorists) are targeting people based on identity — why are they doing this? Because there’s a divide that has emerged in our country between Hindus and Muslims,” Vadra said.
Notably, Vadra clarified that these were his personal views on the Pahalgam attack and not those of the Gandhi family or the Congress party.
The 56-year-old businessman, who was recently summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with an alleged money laundering case, stated that minorities in the country, particularly Muslims, are feeling increasingly uncomfortable. He added that Muslims “feel weakened.”
“In our country, we see that this government often talks about Hindutva, and minorities feel uncomfortable and troubled — especially when there are surveys on mosques… These kinds of things create instability and communal issues,” Vadra said.
“Targeting people based on identity and killing them — that sends a message. It’s also a message to the Prime Minister of this country. Why? Because Muslims are feeling weakened,” he added.
Vadra condemned the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed at least 26 lives and injured 12 others. He called it the “weakest way” to advocate any cause.
“Terrorism only creates fear, not progress. Terrorism doesn’t truly see religion — but in this case, the way they (the terrorists) selected their victims was very deliberate and clear,” Vadra said.
His comments drew sharp criticism from BJP leaders, who accused him of indirectly justifying the barbaric attack.
“It is utterly shameful and disgusting that Robert Vadra is indirectly justifying the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Instead of unequivocally condemning the terrorists, he blames Hindus and refers to the terrorists as ‘these kinds of organisations’. He can’t even call the killers terrorists. He is so insensitive and must apologise to the entire country for such a disgraceful remark,” said Union Minister Pralhad Joshi.
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh also launched a scathing attack, stating that Vadra’s remarks were not only ignorant but dangerous. “By targeting the Modi government in the wake of a massacre carried out by anti-national forces, he has exposed the deeply problematic mindsets within the Gandhi family,” Chugh said.
He added that Vadra’s remarks stand in “direct contradiction to the Congress president’s official stance,” highlighting what he called ideological confusion and an alarming tilt within the family.
India