Vadra’s ‘Muslims feeling weakened’ remarks stoke row

Businessman Robert Vadra, husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi, stirred controversy on Wednesday by linking the Pahalgam terror attack to what he described as a “growing divide between Hindus and Muslims” in the country.

“If you dissect this terrorist act — if they (the terrorists) are targeting people based on identity — why are they doing this? Because a divide has emerged between Hindus and Muslims in our country,” Vadra said.

He clarified that these were his personal views and did not reflect the position of the Congress or the Gandhi family.

Vadra (56) said minorities, especially Muslims, are feeling increasingly “uncomfortable” and “weakened”.

“In this country, the government often speaks of Hindutva, and minorities feel troubled — particularly when there are surveys on mosques and other such actions. These create instability and communal tension,” he said.

Condemning the Pahalgam attack, Vadra called it the “weakest way” to advocate any cause. “Terrorism only spreads fear; it never brings progress. Terrorism does not truly see religion — but in this case, the selection of victims was very deliberate,” he said, suggesting the attack was meant to send a message to the Prime Minister.

His remarks sparked swift backlash from BJP leaders, who accused him of politicising the tragedy and indirectly justifying the attack.

“It is utterly shameful and disgusting that Vadra is indirectly justifying the Pahalgam terrorist attack. Instead of unequivocally condemning the terrorists, he blames Hindus and can’t even call the killers what they are — terrorists,” Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, demanding an apology from Vadra.

BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh also slammed Vadra, calling his comments “ignorant and dangerous”. “By targeting the Modi government in the wake of a massacre carried out by anti-national forces, he has revealed the deeply problematic mindset within the Gandhi family,” Chugh said.