Ex-Union Minister Backtracks On ‘Accept Pakistan’s Word’ Remark On Pahalgam; BJP Livid – News18

Last Updated:April 28, 2025, 15:10 IST

Soz’s remarks on “accepting Pakistan’s word” are the latest addition to a political sparring between the BJP and Congress over controversial remarks after the Pahalgam attack.

Former Union Minister and Congress leader Saifuddin Soz. (PTI Image)

Adding to the list of controversial statements made on the Pahalgam terror attack, former Union Minister and Congress leader Saifuddin Soz became the latest target of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) after he called for simply accepting Pakistan’s stance amid ongoing tensions.

As anger grows in the nation over the dastardly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, controversial statements made by several Congress leaders have drawn the BJP’s ire, accusing the grand old party of shielding terrorists and giving a clean chit to Pakistan.

Reacting to India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, Soz said the water was very important for irrigation and drinking purposes in Pakistan and warned that Jammu and Kashmir can be totally submerged if the water is not sufficiently diverted.

“The Indus Water Treaty has survived the wars between India and Pakistan. This water treaty is a lifeline for Pakistan. If Pakistan takes a stand that they are not involved in the Pahalgam attack, then we should accept Pakistan’s word,” he said in an news agency PTI.

His remarks echo with that of Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad, who also questioned the Centre’s motive behind the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and said, “Shouldn’t Pakistanis have water, don’t they drink water?”

Soz Makes U-Turn After Backlash

Amit Malviya, the BJP IT Cell in-charge, slammed the former Union Minister’s remarks and said he wanted India to ignore all evidence of Pakistan’s involvement in the massacre of tourists in Pahalgam and simply accept Pakistan’s word. “He has most certainly exceeded even the expectations of the Pakistani deep state with such brazen advocacy,” he said.

Later, Soz took a U-turn on his stance and said the context of his remarks were misunderstood. Speaking to CNN-News18, the Congress leader said he supported the stance of the Indian government and had only asked to check the veracity of the claims made by Pakistan.

“I did not say Pakistan should be believed… I said ultimately, we have to sort out matters with discussion and dialogue… my stand cannot be different from that of the PM,” he said.

BJP Puts Congress’ Remarks Under Scanner

A series of controversial statements made by Congress leaders in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack have attracted the BJP’s anger. “Is anyone really surprised that Congress and Pakistan are speaking the same language?” said Malviya in a separate post.

• The political slugfest began after Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s husband and businessman Robert Vadra blamed Hindutva for the attack.
• Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah then stirred up a debate by saying there is no need for war with Pakistan, but India, instead, should beef up security in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack. He attributed the attack to an intelligence failure. His remarks even made headlines in Pakistani media.
• Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar also sparked yet another row over the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. Aiyar said the Pahalgam tragedy reflected “unresolved questions of Partition”.
• Karnataka excise minister RB Timmapur made shocking statements, saying a terrorist “could not have asked their religion” before shooting, dismissing the testimonies of the survivors. He also said that Shivamogga victim Manjunath’s wife Pallavi “might have lost a bit of control”.
• Congress MLA Vijay Wadettiwar questioned if the terrorists have time to ask religion of the people before shooting them dead, echoing similar statements made by Timmapur. “Some people say that this did not happen. Terrorists have no caste or religion. Catch those who are responsible and take action,” he said.