Sign in

‘Do terrorists have time?’: Congress leader's remark on Pahalgam attack sparks row, BJP hits back

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lashed out at the Congress leader, alleging that the grand old party leaders are “competing to give a clean chit to Pakistan”.

Updated on: Apr 28, 2025, 13:43:35 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Senior Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar on Monday stoked a controversy over his remark on the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 people were killed.

“The government should take responsibility for the Pahalgam Terrorist Attack. They (the government) are saying that terrorists killed people after asking them (about their religion). Do terrorists have time for all this?... Some people say that this did not happen. Terrorists have no caste or religion. Catch those who are responsible and take action. This is the sentiment of the country,” ANI quoted the Congress leader as saying.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lashed out at the Congress leader, alleging that the grand old party leaders are “competing to give a clean chit to Pakistan”.

Pahalgam terror attack updates

“Congress leaders are competing to give a clean chit to Pakistan one after the other... Now Vijay Wadettiwar says that the government is responsible, Pakistan is not responsible and is there any proof that terrorists killed people based on religion,” BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said in a video he shared on social media.

An Indian Army personnel at the site of the Pahalgam terror attack, in Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir. (PTI)
An Indian Army personnel at the site of the Pahalgam terror attack, in Anantnag district in Jammu and Kashmir. (PTI)

“This is not being said for the first time, the same thing has come from Anil Deshmukh of NCP-Sharad Pawar faction... In the all-party meeting, they will say that Pakistan is responsible, take action against Pakistan, take action against terrorists, we are with you. And after the all-party meeting, they say don't take action against Pakistan,” the BJP leader added.

BJP slams Siddaramaiah over ‘not in favour of war’ remark

Earlier, the BJP hit out at Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah, after he was mentioned by a Pakistan news channel over his “not in favour of war” remark.

ALSO READ: On Pahalgam remarks row, Robert Vadra's clarification: ‘Intensions misinterpreted’

"There has been a security lapse in this incident. We are not in favour of war. Steps should be taken to tighten security measures in the Kashmir region. The central government should increase security to ensure peace in Kashmir," Siddaramaiah had told reporters.

ALSO READ: Siddaramaiah clarifies on ‘war not needed’ statement: ‘It should always be the last resort, not the first’

BJP MP Sambit Patra said,"Today, Siddaramaiah's words are being broadcast across media channels in Pakistan. Look at these prominent Congress leaders who seem to be standing with them. Another such leader is Ramappa Timmapur, the Excise Minister of Karnataka, who also said that the terrorists did not shoot based on religion. He is falsifying Indians to sympathise with terrorists and is mocking the bereaved families."

(With ANI inputs)

  • HT News Desk
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    HT News Desk

    Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Check India news real-time updates, latest news on Hindustan Times and more across India.