BJP MP Ram Chander Jangra Sparks Outrage Over Remarks on Pahalgam Terror Attack

BJP MP Ram Chander Jangra’s remarks blaming women for the loss of their husbands in the Pahalgam terror attack trigger widespread criticism. Full report here.

Bhiwani (Haryana), May 25, 2025 – BJP Rajya Sabha MP Ram Chander Jangra has found himself at the center of a political and social firestorm after making controversial remarks about the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Speaking at a district seminar in Bhiwani on the 300th birth anniversary of Ahilya Bai Holkar, Jangra appeared to blame the women present during the attack for failing to prevent their husbands’ deaths.

“No Josh, No Jazba”: Ram Chander Jangra’s Statement Sparks Backlash

During his address, Jangra said:

“Aur agar vahan par jo hamari viranganayen bahene thi, jinki maang ka sindoor chheen liya gaya, unhone Ahilya Bai ka itihas padha hota to unke saamne koi unke pati ko goli nahin mar sakta tha, chahe vo bhi shaheed ho jati. Josh nahin tha, jajba nahin tha.”

(Translation: “If the brave women present there, whose sindoor was snatched, had read the history of Ahilya Bai, no one could have shot their husbands in front of them, even if it meant dying themselves. There was no passion, no spirit.”)

The comments were made while honoring the legacy of Ahilya Bai Holkar — a queen known for her bravery and leadership. However, his remarks drew immediate criticism for being insensitive and for placing the burden of defense on unarmed civilians during a terror strike.

Incident Details: Pahalgam Terror Attack

The Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22, 2025, in the Baisaran Valley near Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Heavily armed terrorists ambushed a group of tourists, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries. Several families were directly affected, with women witnessing the brutal killing of their loved ones.

Political and Public Reactio

Ram Chander Jangra’s statement has triggered a strong reaction across the political spectrum and on social media. Critics have slammed the MP for lacking empathy and for undermining the trauma experienced by the victims’ families.

Opposition leaders demanded an apology, calling the remarks “irresponsible and misogynistic.”

Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson tweeted:

“Victim-blaming in the face of terrorism is the lowest one can stoop. These women deserve justice and support — not lectures from the safety of a podium.”

Not the First Controversy for Ram Chander Jangra’s

This isn’t the first time Ram Chander Jangra has landed in controversy. He previously made headlines during the farmers’ protest, where his remarks were seen as dismissive. He later retracted those statements under public pressure.

Call for Accountability

Civil society groups and women’s rights organizations have now urged the BJP leadership to take disciplinary action against Jangra. Many are calling for a formal apology and a retraction of the statement.

Meanwhile, the grieving families of the Pahalgam victims continue to await justice and support — both moral and material — from those in power.

At a time when the nation mourns the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack, MP Ram Chander Jangra’s remarks have only added salt to the wounds. While honoring historical figures like Ahilya Bai is essential, using their legacy to shame modern victims has sparked a debate on the responsibilities and sensitivity required from public representatives.