Sunita Williams return: Congress brings questions about cousin's 'murder' for which dad had blamed Modi

Haren Pandya, believed to be Modi's bete noire and former home minister of Gujarat, was murdered, with his father blaming the then-CM for the same in 2003 -- a year after the western state was rocked by communal riots over the Godhra incident.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a letter to Sunita Williams inviting her to visit India, ahead of the NASA astronaut's return to earth after nine months on the International Space Station (ISS).

However, Congress has been quick to point out that Williams' cousin is Haren Pandya, who was at one time Modi's bete noire, and the former home minister of Gujarat, when Modi was CM.

Pandya's father blamed Modi for his murder in 2003, which came after he was quoted by the media claiming that Modi had held a meeting with bureaucrats and police officers during the 2002 Gujarat riots -- in the wake of the Godhra train burning incident -- and had instructed that people be 'allowed to vent their frustration' and 'not to come in the way of Hindu backlash'.

The Telegraph in an earlier coverage of Williams' space endeavours had noted that the Modi-led Gujarat government was not all too keen in touting her achievements, though the Indian-origin astronaut has roots in the western state.

Sharing an excerpt of the report, the Kerala Congress unit on X claimed Williams would probably throw Modi's letter in the trash.

Modi today also welcomed Sunita Williams and the members of Crew 9, with a post on X saying "Theirs has been a test of grit, courage and the boundless human spirit...Their unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown will forever inspire millions."

He added, "Space exploration is about pushing the limits of human potential, daring to dream, and having the courage to turn those dreams into reality. Sunita Williams, a trailblazer and an icon, has exemplified this spirit throughout her career."

The PM continued, "We are incredibly proud of all those who worked tirelessly to ensure their safe return. They have demonstrated what happens when precision meets passion and technology meets tenacity."