A political storm erupted on Friday after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut alleged that the terrorists involved in the Pahalgam attack had not been apprehended because they may have joined the Bharatiya Janata Party . His controversial remarks drew sharp condemnation from BJP leaders and even members within his own political alliance.
Raut’s comments, made during a press interaction in Mumbai, implied that the six terrorists responsible for the April 22 massacre in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, remain at large due to potential political affiliations. “Maybe the terrorists have joined the BJP—that’s why they are not being caught,” Raut stated, suggesting that a future press release might announce their induction into the party.
The BJP swiftly condemned Raut’s statement. Party leader Ram Kadam labeled the remarks as “absolutely ridiculous” and an “insult to our armed forces.” Kadam emphasized that such statements undermine the sacrifices made by security personnel combating terrorism.
Within the Shiv Sena itself, dissent emerged. Sanjay Nirupam, a senior leader, criticized Raut’s comments, attributing them to frustration within the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction. Nirupam’s disapproval highlights internal divisions and the contentious nature of Raut’s allegations.
Raut further accused the BJP-led central government of politicizing ‘Operation Sindoor,’ the military response to the Pahalgam attack. He contended that the ruling party is taking undue credit for the operation, which was executed by the Indian armed forces. Raut announced that opposition parties, under Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s leadership, are seeking a special parliamentary session to discuss the operation’s implications.
The Pahalgam attack, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, including tourists and a local Muslim pony ride operator, has been attributed to Pakistan-backed militants. The attackers reportedly targeted individuals based on their religion, marking one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in the region since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
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