Cong wants PM's apology, BJP MP Jangra fired for 'tourists should have fought terrorists' remark

Jangra's comments are being seen by the Congress as the latest in a series of deplorable remarks made recently by BJP leaders -- Madhya Pradesh minister Vijay Shah and the state's deputy chief minister Jagdish Devda.

New Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra's remark that Pahalgam widows did not show enough warrior spirit invited widespread condemnation with the Opposition on Sunday demanding his sacking by the BJP and an apology from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Congress said the silence of the Prime Minister and the BJP leadership should be construed as "tacit approval" of Jangra's statement even as it recalled "deplorable statements" by BJP's Madhya Pradesh Ministers Jagdish Devda and Vijay Shah following Operation Sindoor.

Congress Mallikarjun Kharge alleged that the BJP MPs were competing with each other to malign the Pahalgam victims and armed forces and Jangra's "shameful statement: has once again "exposed the petty mentality" of RSS-BJP."

"MP Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda insulted our brave army, but PM Modi did not take any action. MP Minister Vijay Shah made lewd comments on our brave colonel, but has not been sacked to date," he said.

"Narendra Modi ji, you say that you have sindoor in your veins... If that is so, then you should sack these foul-mouthed leaders of yours for the respect of women," he said.

Jangra sought to clarify his remarks claiming he was highlighting aspects of Ahilyabai Holkar and that he made the statement in a "motivational manner" that it is important to live like brave women. "If such situations ever arise, we should be capable of facing them. That was the only context of my statement," he claimed.

Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said their "clear demand" is that Modi should apologise for the "shameful statement" and "expel" the MP from the party. He said BJP leaders were "constantly insulting" the Army and the martyrs, "which exposes their petty and lowly mindset".

Trinamool Congress said the remarks were "insensitive, vile and inhuman" and alleged, "BJP has mastered the art of degrading women. Misogyny isn’t a bug in their ideology, it’s the core."

Mahila Congress president Alka Lamba said what was more shocking was the silence of the Prime Minister and the BJP leadership, including its president.