Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday launched a fierce attack on Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar, calling his remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack "deeply insensitive" and a betrayal of the victims' families. Reacting to Wadettiwar’s statement — "do terrorists have time to ask about religion before firing?" — Fadnavis said, "Wadettiwar’s statement is insensitive. By making such a statement, he is rubbing salt into the wounds of the relatives of those killed in the Pahalgam terror attack. Everyone has seen what the relatives have said. The victims were killed in front of their families, and Wadettiwar was not even present there. I do not understand whether this is foolishness or something else."

Fadnavis further said that questioning the testimony of the victims’ families was nothing short of cruelty and betrayal. "The relatives had narrated what happened before their own eyes. To falsify their pain is not just insensitive, it is an injustice that the victims’ families will never forgive. Those making such statements are not only acting against the families but also against the nation," Fadnavis remarked angrily.

Joining Fadnavis in the sharp criticism, Maharashtra BJP president and Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also slammed Wadettiwar, accusing him of displaying an "anti-national mentality." Terming his remarks as the "height of insensitivity," Bawankule said, "It has been proven time and again that Hindus are being selectively targeted in Kashmir. In what world is Vijay Wadettiwar living? Who is he trying to please by saying 'terrorists have no caste or religion'? Are Congress leaders attempting to protect terrorists?" He further alleged, "Vijay Wadettiwar's statement is a disgusting attempt to cover up the faces of terrorists and protect them. This is not only irresponsible but also shows an anti-national mentality. Every Indian who loves this country should strongly condemn such statements. Congress leaders are playing politics with the emotions of Indians, rubbing salt on wounds that are still fresh, and the people will never forget this."

Amid the rising political heat, Vijay Wadettiwar attempted to clarify his position, saying that his comments were being misinterpreted and that his commitment to India's unity remained unshaken. "The primary purpose of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam was to create a rift between two communities, to disrupt India's unity and to destabilise the nation. Strictest action should be taken against terrorists and those who support them. Congress will fully support whatever action the government takes to safeguard the integrity and national security of India. India is one, and it will remain one," Wadettiwar said.