Sanjay Raut Sparks Political Storm: "Pahalgam Terrorists Might Have Joined BJP" — BJP Slams Remark as Insult to Armed Forces

News Flash

30 May

Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut Alleges Delay in Arrest of Pahalgam Attackers, Hints at Political Protection; BJP Calls Comment “Mental Instability” and Disrespect to Security Forces

Mumbai: In a scathing political outburst, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday stirred controversy by suggesting that the six terrorists involved in the deadly Pahalgam attack may have joined the BJP, accusing the ruling party of protecting the accused. The Pahalgam attack, which took place on April 22, claimed the lives of 26 civilians and sent shockwaves across the nation.

Speaking to the media in Mumbai today, Raut expressed outrage over the alleged inaction by investigative agencies.

"The terrorists may have joined the BJP – that's why they are not being caught. The six terrorists from Pahalgam are not being arrested. Maybe one day a press release will come from the BJP office saying those six people have joined the party. So, forget everything,"
— said Sanjay Raut, mocking the government’s silence.

The remark has invited sharp backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with senior leader Ram Kadam calling Raut’s words "completely ridiculous" and an insult to the armed forces who are actively investigating and neutralising terror threats across the country.

"Shiv Sena-UBT leaders Uddhav Thackeray and Sanjay Raut have lost their mental stability and should be admitted to a mental hospital,"
— BJP MLA Ram Kadam told a leading news channel.

The April 22 Pahalgam terror attack remains one of the deadliest in recent memory, with six terrorists still at large. Raut’s statement reflects a broader criticism by opposition leaders who allege politicisation and inefficiency in anti-terror operations.

The political war of words comes amid a highly charged atmosphere, with national security and terrorism emerging as central themes ahead of upcoming elections.