A political storm erupted on April 23, 2025, after businessman and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law, Robert Vadra, made controversial remarks regarding the recent Pahalgam terror attack. Vadra claimed that the attackers targeted non-Muslims as a response to the perceived mistreatment of Muslims in India—prompting fierce backlash from the BJP, which accused him of using “the language of terrorists.”

Condemning the brutal attack in Baisaran, near Pahalgam, where 26 people—mostly tourists—lost their lives, Vadra said the incident reflects growing communal divisions in the country. He added that the attack was “a message” from terrorists who believe that Muslims are being marginalized in India.

“They were checking IDs… non-Muslims were attacked. Why? Because they feel Muslims are mistreated,” Vadra told PTI, while urging a separation of religion and politics.

Although Vadra emphasized that his comments reflected personal views and not the stance of the Congress party, his comments triggered a strong response from political opponents.

BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli blasted Vadra’s statement as “deeply condemnable,” saying it parroted the justifications terrorists often use for their crimes.

“This is the language terrorists use to justify their actions,” Kohli said. “At a time when the nation is united, Vadra is playing politics over a national tragedy. He must apologize.”

Kohli questioned whether Vadra’s comments indicated a double standard within the Congress, pointing out that Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge had expressed solidarity with the government over the attack.

“Is this the real face of the Congress—supporting the government in public but making divisive remarks behind the scenes?” he asked.

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya also weighed in, accusing Vadra of “shamelessly offering cover to terrorists instead of condemning them.”

Despite the backlash, Vadra stood by his statement, reiterating his call for national unity and support for victims. He announced plans to visit the family of a victim from Karnal and urged the Centre to help Kashmiris whose livelihoods, particularly in tourism, would be hit by the attack.

“We have to help the people of Jammu and Kashmir... They will suffer due to this act, even though they are not responsible for it,” he said.

Vadra also suggested that government agencies had targeted him in the past for speaking out on minority rights but vowed to continue raising his voice against injustice.