Robert Vadra Links Pahalgam Terror Attack to Hindu-Muslim ‘Divide’; BJP Issues Sharp Response

BJP Issues Sharp Response: On Wednesday, businessman Robert Vadra rekindled an otherwise dormant controversy by linking the Pahalgam terrorist attack to the increasing divide between Hindus and Muslims in India.

He alleged that the Hindutva focus of the government was responsible for creating discomfort and insecurity among minorities. Such attacks, he claimed, reflected a growing divide and urged the government to protect all citizens and uphold secularism.

Also Read: ‘He Made Us Proud’: Navy Officer’s Wife Bids Tearful Farewell After Pahalgam Terror Attack

“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 told news agency ANI.

Vadra said the attack sends a message to the Prime Minister, as minorities feel weakened, and urged the government to ensure security and secularism.

“Looking at identities and then killing somebody, that's a message to the PM, because Muslims are feeling weakened. The minorities are feeling weakened...This has to be coming from the top that we feel secure and secular in our country and we will not see this kind of acts happening,” he added.

BJP slams Vadra for 'justifying terror'

Most of Robert Vadra's remarks have been met with mixed responses from the public. BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan was quick to react by denouncing the statement as "unpardonable" and "indefensible."

He questioned whether Vadra was acting as a representative of Pakistan or terrorists because, according to him, the words of Vadra justify the actions of those who kill Indians.

Also Read: ‘Those Behind the Scenes…’: Rajnath Singh Warns Pahalgam Conspirators of Swift and Stern Response

“Robert Vadra's most disgraceful statements are unpardonable, indefensible. Is he a proxy for Pakistan, or is he a proxy for murderers/terrorists? Because he seems to be speaking the language of terrorists when he pretty much says that there is a justification for these heinous terrorists to kill Indians... The way Robert Vadra is speaking and making statements, it is as if terrorists have a justification to do this…” Keshvan said in a video statement.

Vadra clarified that this is his opinion and not the opinion of the Congress party or indeed of his family.

“As is said terrorism does not look at any kind of religion. But .. I feel that whenever in a country there are communal issues, people feel vulnerable. There is a division and we see that in our country. I see that the minorities are sidelined” he told PTI videos.

Also Read: Kashmir Shuts Down After Years, This Time in Protest Against Pahalgam Terror Attack