"MP from BJP Alleges Lack of Courage in Women of Pahalgam"
In the aftermath of the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir last month, BJP MP Ram Chander Jangra has stirred controversy with his remarks on the grieving women who lost their husbands in the incident. During a speech in Haryana, Jangra suggested that the women lacked courage, enthusiasm, and warrior-like spirit, implying they were victims due to their supposed lack of these qualities.
Addressing a gathering during an event honoring 18th-century Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar, Jangra stated, "The women who lost their husbands lacked the warrior spirit, enthusiasm, and zeal. Therefore, they became victims of the attack." He went on to say that had the tourists received Agniveer training, they could have prevented the majority of the casualties.
In the Pahalgam attack on April 22, 25 tourists and a ponywallah were tragically killed by five terrorists at the Baisaran meadow. The Resistance Front, an affiliate of Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility for the assault, which targeted men specifically. The distressing scenes of pleas for help from the women in the immediate aftermath of the attack became embedded in the national consciousness.
Jangra's comments follow similar remarks made by his party colleague, Vijay Shah, who faced criticism for his crass remarks on Army Colonel Sofiya Qureshi. When asked how he expected the women to fight against terrorists, Jangra replied citing historical examples of courageous women, including Ahilyabai Holkar and Rani Lakshmibai.
However, the remarks have generated heated reactions, with Congress leader Jairam Ramesh calling Jangra's statements "shameful" and accusing the BJP of continuously disrespecting the Indian Army and martyrs. Opposition parties have criticized Jangra's remarks as insensitive and anti-women, demanding his removal from office. Facing criticism, Jangra released an apology video, stating he had no intention of insulting the affected women or families. The BJP has also expressed disapproval of Jangra's comments, with Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar acknowledging that they do not represent the party's stance.
With Jangra's remarks sparking a political firestorm, the controversy highlights ongoing debates concerning gender issues and the politicization of tragedy in India's public discourse. The call for tourists to exhibit "warrior-like" behavior in the face of a terror attack has been criticized for its disregard of the fear and helplessness often experienced during such incidents. The episode serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required when public officials discuss victims and survivors, particularly in matters involving grief and trauma.
- Social media platforms have been ablaze with criticism and debate over the controversial remarks made by BJP MP Ram Chander Jangra.
- In the realm of politics, Jangra's statement has sparked a fierce debate on gender issues, raising questions about the politicization of tragedy in India.
- In the realm of pop-culture and entertainment, the recent Pahalgam terror attack has served as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required when discussing victims and survivors, particularly in matters involving grief and trauma.
- Beyond politics, critics have accused Jangra of demonstrating a lack of sensitivity towards the women who lost their husbands in the Pahalgam attack, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in times of crisis.
- In the realm of crime and justice, Jangra's apology video has not silenced his critics, who continue to demand his removal from office, citing his insensitive remarks as anti-women.
- In the sphere of policy and legislation, the episode has underscored the need for responsible and sensitive discourse from public officials, especially during sensitive matters such as war-and-conflicts and accidents like the Pahalgam terror attack.
