BJP MP Ram Chander Jangra Says 'Women Should've Fought Back' In Pahalgam, Sparks Outrage

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra has sparked a political controversy after suggesting that the widows of the Pahalgam terror attack victims should have "fought back against the terrorists instead of pleading for their husbands' lives."

Speaking during an event in Bhiwani to mark Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Jayanti, Jangra said, "They (women tourists) should have fought. I believe they should have fought. This would have resulted in lesser casualty. If all the tourists have been Agniveer they would have tackled the terrorists ultimately reducing casualties. We have to reignite the spirit of bravery in our sister like Queen Ahilyabai."

Photo Credit: x.com/rcjangrabjp

His remarks were widely condemned as being deeply insensitive to victims of terrorism. Congress MP from Rohtak, Deepender Singh Hooda, criticised the comments strongly, describing them as offensive and disrespectful.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also denounced Jangra's remarks, accusing BJP leaders of continually insulting the Indian Army and its martyrs. He said the comments reflected a "petty and degrading mindset."

Posting on X, Ramesh described Jangra's statement as shameful and alleged that the BJP, "intoxicated by power," had grown so indifferent that rather than taking responsibility for the security lapse in the Pahalgam attack, its leaders were instead questioning the martyrs and their grieving families.

He also pointed to a pattern, highlighting that no disciplinary action had been taken against BJP leaders like Vijay Shah and Devda, who have made similarly offensive remarks in the past.

"This new statement is extremely objectionable," Ramesh added.

The Congress leader demanded an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and called for Jangra to be expelled from the BJP. He also questioned the silence of the Prime Minister and senior BJP leadership, asking whether it should be interpreted as implicit approval of such comments.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also slammed Jangra's statement, calling it "deeply offensive and unacceptable."

On X, he posted, "Even the word 'condemnable' would object to being used for such a disgusting statement by the BJP MP about the victimised women of Pahalgam. Instead of honouring women, the BJP chooses to insult, blame, exploit, and harass them in every possible way-this is their true face, and it is both shameful and revolting."

He went further, saying, "The BJP is not a political party, but a cesspool of anti-women mentality."

Congress social media head Supriya Shrinate also issued a scathing response on X, quoting Jangra as having said: "She did not have the spirit of a warrior. She did not have passion, she did not have zeal, she did not have heart. That's why they folded their hands and became a victim of the bullet."

Shrinate added, "And party talks about vermilion? There's a limit to shamelessness."

When asked about the fact that no arrests had been made in connection with the April 22 Pahalgam attack-which left 26 civilians dead-Jangra responded, "Our army has destroyed the hideouts and masterminds of the terrorists, even if the attackers haven't been caught."

In the same speech, Jangra also criticised internal Congress affairs and made a personal attack on Rahul Gandhi, saying, "No one takes Rahul seriously, nor should they," while accusing him of tarnishing India's image abroad.

In contrast, he offered rare praise for Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, calling him an "intellectual" and commending his diplomatic efforts, including his advocacy following Operation Sindoor, as part of India's push to hold Pakistan accountable internationally.