Key Highlights:
Vijay Wadettiwar: Controversial Pahalgam Remark Triggers BJP’s Scathing Attack on Congress
Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar has found himself at the center of a political storm following his controversial comments questioning the version of victims from the Pahalgam terror attack. His statement drew sharp reactions from BJP leaders, who accused the Congress of being “soft” on Pakistan and prioritizing vote bank politics.
Shehzad Poonawalla’s Sharp Critique
BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla led the offensive on Monday, asserting that the Congress should rename itself the ‘Pakistan-based party’ due to its leaders’ repeated statements seen as favorable to Pakistan.
“I want the party to ask the victims lying about what happened to them? Their dual policy won’t work,” Poonawalla said, criticizing both Rahul Gandhi and Wadettiwar. He accused them of showing selective empathy and ignoring threats to national security.
Poonawalla referenced the 2008 Mumbai attacks, questioning how the Congress could continue to show leniency towards Pakistan after giving it a “clean chit” repeatedly.
Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi Joins the BJP Chorus
Backing Poonawalla’s comments, BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said that certain Congress leaders appear to be competing to become Pakistan’s proxy partners.
“This is neither in their interest nor the country’s… What kind of political gain are they chasing when the nation is demanding one voice against Pakistan?” Naqvi questioned.
He emphasized that repeated defensive narratives around terrorist attacks only embolden perpetrators and demoralize victims.
What Vijay Wadettiwar Actually Said
Vijay Wadettiwar had questioned whether the terrorists truly identified their victims’ religion before killing them, casting doubt on the government’s narrative.
“Some people say that terrorists asked the victims for their religion before shooting. Some say they didn’t ask. If the government is ready for war with Pakistan, let them say so,” Wadettiwar remarked, urging caution and verification of claims.
His statement was perceived by the BJP as an attempt to absolve Pakistan of responsibility and divert attention from the attack’s brutality.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Reacts
In a related response, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah rejected war rhetoric but said, “If the government is ready for war, then let it be announced officially.” His remarks were aimed at countering BJP’s aggressive posturing post-Pahalgam.
Looking Forward
As tensions escalate along the border and within Parliament, Vijay Wadettiwar’s comments have reignited political sparring between the Congress and BJP. The ruling party is leveraging the moment to question Congress’s commitment to national security, while the opposition urges the government to maintain clarity and transparency in its responses.
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