BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra has sparked significant outrage after making controversial remarks regarding the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. Jangra suggested that if the women who were present during the attack had fought back, fewer casualties might have occurred, and the outcome would have been different.
In an address, Jangra stated that had the women, whose husbands were tragically killed in the attack, read the history of “Ahilyabai,” a historical figure known for her courage, they would not have allowed the terrorists to kill their husbands in front of them. He criticized the victims’ families for lacking the “passion” and “spirit” to resist the terrorists, claiming that the victims folded their hands in surrender, which led to their deaths.
Tone-Deaf Comments Fueling Public Outrage
Jangra’s remarks included a suggestion that had tourists at the site undergone military training, they could have fought off the terrorists. He remarked, “Had our tourists passed the training, then three terrorists could not have killed 26 people.” Furthermore, he added, “If they (tourists) fought, the casualties would have been less. They (terrorists) had come with the intention to kill people. They did not have mercy.”
These statements have been widely criticized as insensitive and tone-deaf, especially given the traumatic experience faced by the victims and their families. Many have questioned Jangra’s ability to comprehend the severity of the situation, given that the attack was a brutal act of terrorism, not a scenario where fighting back was feasible for unarmed civilians.
Political and Public Backlash
The BJP MP’s comments have drawn sharp criticism from various political leaders. Congress MP Deepender Singh Hooda condemned Jangra’s remarks, accusing him of attempting to undermine the dignity of the victims’ families. “Those whose husbands were killed by terrorists in the Pahalgam attack, now this BJP MP from Haryana is working to ruin their dignity,” Hooda said, calling the comment “disgusting.”
Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also responded, saying, “Even the word ‘condemnable’ would object to writing this disgusting statement of the BJP MP about the victimized women of Pahalgam.” He criticized Jangra’s remarks as a reflection of the BJP’s treatment of women, labeling the comments as “disgusting and extremely shameful.”
Context of the Pahalgam Terror Attack
The Pahalgam attack occurred on April 22, 2025, when terrorists ambushed a group of tourists in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals. The attack was a targeted assault, and the terrorists showed no mercy in their actions. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, a military operation that successfully targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously praised the operation, highlighting the role of “Made in India” weapons and technology in the precision strikes against the terrorists.
A Controversial and Divisive Statement
Jangra’s comments have only added fuel to the already intense debate surrounding the handling of terrorism and national security. His statements have overshadowed the ongoing grieving process of the victims’ families, who are still coping with the traumatic loss of their loved ones. Many have called for greater sensitivity when discussing such sensitive topics and have urged political leaders to show more empathy for those affected by terror attacks.
The BJP, as a party, has not officially responded to the controversy surrounding Jangra’s remarks. However, the public and political backlash suggests that these comments may further erode public trust in the BJP’s handling of sensitive issues related to national security and the victims of terrorism.
