Robert Vadra Sparks Controversy with Remarks on Pahalgam Attack, BJP Demands Apology

Businessman and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law, Robert Vadra, has stirred political controversy with his remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, suggesting that non-Muslims were specifically targeted because terrorists felt Muslims were being mistreated in India. His comments have drawn sharp criticism from the BJP, which accused him of echoing the language of terrorists and demanded an immediate apology. 

Robert Vadra Sparks Controversy with Remarks on Pahalgam Attack

Speaking to PTI, Vadra condemned the attack but urged political parties to introspect on communal divisions within the country.

“When this terrorist act took place, they were looking at IDs… non-Muslims were attacked… Why is this happening? Because they feel Muslims are being mistreated in our country,” he said.

He clarified that these were his personal views, not representing the Congress party or his family.

Vadra emphasized the need to separate politics from religion, stating,

“Whenever there are communal issues, there is division in the country and neighbouring countries benefit from it. I see that minorities are being sidelined… if they are praying on rooftops or roads, they are stopped… there are even mosque surveys.”

He also alleged that he was targeted by investigative agencies like the Enforcement Directorate after previously speaking out for minorities, but maintained that he would continue to raise his voice when he sees injustice.

The BJP slammed the remarks, accusing Vadra of legitimizing terrorist narratives and demanded that he apologize to the nation for his “irresponsible and inflammatory” comments. 

Political reactions poured in soon after Vadra’s statement, with BJP leaders asserting that such remarks undermine national unity and demoralize security forces. Senior BJP spokespersons alleged that Vadra's comments could be misused by hostile entities to justify terrorism, especially at a time when the nation is mourning and the government has vowed stern retaliation against the perpetrators and their sponsors. Meanwhile, Congress has not officially responded to Vadra’s statement, leaving his remarks in the domain of personal opinion.