'Intentions misinterpreted': Robert Vadra clarifies controversial remark on Pahalgam attack

NEW DELHI: Businessman Robert Vadra , husband of Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra , on Monday issued a clarification regarding his recent remark on the Pahalgam terrorist attack . In a Facebook post, he said people had "misinterpreted" his intentions.

Vadra had earlier said the Pahalgam terrorists killed people after checking their IDs, "because they think that Muslims are being suppressed."

Vadra wrote in his clarification post, "My intentions have been misinterpreted. I am committed to clarifying myself with honesty, transparency, and respect. I decided to wait in silence for a few days, but this should not be construed as silence, indifference or lack of patriotism. In fact, it is because of my deep love for my country, my deep respect for truth and my commitment to dedication that I took the time to reflect before speaking. Silence is the stage where responsibility matures, emotions calm down and words can be chosen carefully rather than impulsively."

He added, "I strongly condemn the terrorist attack in Pahalgam that took the lives of innocent people and shattered their families. I stand with India and will always do so. There is no argument - political, religious or ideological - that can be used to stop this attack. Violence against innocent and unarmed people cannot be condoned."

Also, the industrialist called terrorism an "attack on the soul of humanity" and stated that "no reason or logic" can justify killing of innocent people.

Vadra's post further read, "I mourn for all those whose lives were lost, whose future was taken away, whose hearts were filled with unimaginable grief, and I urge everyone to remember the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi - he said that non-violence is the courageous choice. The suffering of our countrymen is our own suffering. Today, in this hour of grief, I express my commitment to build a world where no child, no family, no community lives under the shadow of terror."

Robert Vadra's remark on Pahalgam attack

On April 23, a day after the attack, Vadra said, "When this terrorist act took place, they (terrorists) were looking at IDs...non-Muslims were attacked and messages were given to the prime minister. Why is this happening? Because they (terrorists) feel Muslims are being mistreated in our country."

Hitting back at Vadra, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli accused Vadra of using the "same language that terrorists always use to justify their terrorism."

Kohli said, "It's clear from Vadra's remarks that he wants to do politics on such a gruesome terror attack when the entire country is united against it."