NEW DELHI: Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra sparked controversy by linking the terrorist attack in Pahalgam to the Muslim community being "mistreated" and "feeling unsafe" in the country, with BJP coming down hard on him for the "irresponsible, divisive and venomous" statement. "When this terrorist act took place, they (terrorists) were looking at IDs, people who were non-Muslims were attacked and messages were given to the prime minister. Why is this happening? Because they are feeling that Muslims are being mistreated in our country," Vadra said.
"I see that the minorities are sidelined. When they are praying, they are not allowed to do so on their roofs. If they are in abundance praying on a Thursday or Friday and there is a spillover on the road, they are stopped... there are surveys of mosques," he further said.
Although the businessman, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi who has lately been vocal about his political ambition, said he was speaking in his personal capacity, BJP demanded explanation from Congress's Rahul Gandhi.
"Rahul and every member of Congress should hang their heads in shame for disappointing the nation in this hour of grief, whereas remaining silent in this hour of grief would have been a symbol of support," BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, adding, "In what capacity have you (Vadra) made such irresponsible, divisive and venomous statements, trying to shield terrorists?"
Although Vadra condemned the attack, he said whenever there were communal issues and people felt vulnerable, there was division in the country and neighbouring countries benefited from it. He said it was time to separate politics and religion, and parties should introspect.
"This is the same language that terrorists always use to justify their terrorism. It's clear from Vadra's remarks that he wants to do politics on such a gruesome terror attack when the entire country is united against it," BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said.
"I see that the minorities are sidelined. When they are praying, they are not allowed to do so on their roofs. If they are in abundance praying on a Thursday or Friday and there is a spillover on the road, they are stopped... there are surveys of mosques," he further said.
Although the businessman, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi who has lately been vocal about his political ambition, said he was speaking in his personal capacity, BJP demanded explanation from Congress's Rahul Gandhi.
"Rahul and every member of Congress should hang their heads in shame for disappointing the nation in this hour of grief, whereas remaining silent in this hour of grief would have been a symbol of support," BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, adding, "In what capacity have you (Vadra) made such irresponsible, divisive and venomous statements, trying to shield terrorists?"
Although Vadra condemned the attack, he said whenever there were communal issues and people felt vulnerable, there was division in the country and neighbouring countries benefited from it. He said it was time to separate politics and religion, and parties should introspect.
"This is the same language that terrorists always use to justify their terrorism. It's clear from Vadra's remarks that he wants to do politics on such a gruesome terror attack when the entire country is united against it," BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said.
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