Daijiworld Media Network- Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 24: Union Minister for Food, Public Distribution and Consumer Affairs, Pralhad Joshi, launched a sharp attack on Robert Vadra—husband of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi—over his remarks in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, accusing him of indirectly justifying the heinous act.
“While the entire nation is united in mourning and condemnation, Robert Vadra's statement about Muslims being ‘vulnerable’ in India appears to defend the terrorists involved in the attack. This is utterly shameful,” Joshi told reporters.
He added, “Muslims in India are living in peace and harmony. Fundamentalists are the ones creating discord, and by blaming the larger Hindu community, Vadra is dangerously misrepresenting the situation. He must apologise to the people of this country.”
The Union Minister urged Vadra to act with greater responsibility and refrain from comments that could be seen as divisive, especially in the wake of such a tragic incident.
Joshi’s remarks came amid ongoing outrage over the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where multiple civilians were reportedly targeted by Pakistan-based militants.
Meanwhile, in Srirangapatna, Congress MLA Ramesh Bandisiddegowda also stirred controversy by suggesting that the abrogation of Article 370 was the catalyst for the recent terror attack. This too was strongly condemned by Joshi.
“Congress leaders continue their decades-old habit of calling terrorists ‘brothers’. These statements are not just irresponsible, they are dangerous. While the Modi-led central government is working round the clock to fight terrorism globally and domestically, Congress leaders seem to be issuing remarks that provide ideological cover for such acts,” Joshi asserted.
Robert Vadra, speaking to the media a day after the attack, had attributed the rise in communal violence to what he described as the BJP-led government’s “Hindutva” politics. He claimed that such polarisation had created discomfort among minorities and contributed to societal divisions.
“The minorities are feeling increasingly troubled. If terrorists are checking people’s religious identity, it’s a reflection of the divide we now see between Hindus and Muslims,” Vadra had said.
The remarks have sparked a political firestorm, with BJP leaders across the country calling for retraction and accountability.