Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 29 (ANI): Amid the row surrounding Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar's statement, 'do terrorists have time to ask for religion?' in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, BJP Maharashtra State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule slammed the Congress leader as he was attempting to 'exonerate' the terrorists behind the attack.

Taking to the social media platform X, the Maharashtra BJP state president lambasted the Congress leader, stating that his comment was the 'height of insensitivity' and further denounced Wadettiwar's 'terrorists have no caste or religion' remarks, questioning who he was trying to please.

'Vijay Wadettiwar's statement is the height of insensitivity. It has been proven time and time again that Hindus are being targeted in Kashmir. So, in what world is Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar living? Who is Wadettiwar trying to please by saying, 'Terrorists have no caste or religion'? Are Congress leaders trying to 'exonerate' terrorists?' Bawankule said.

The BJP leader said such statements by Congress leaders reflect a mentality that is not in line with national interests, calling it 'anti-national' and a 'disgusting attempt' to cover and protect the terrorists.

Bawankule also accused the Congress party of politicising sensitive issues, noting that they are playing with the emotions of Indians and rubbing salt in the wounds.

'Vijay Wadettiwar's statement shows a disgusting attempt to cover up the faces of terrorists and protect them. This is not only irresponsible but also an example of an anti-national mentality. Every Indian who loves the country should strongly condemn Wadettiwar's statement. Congress leaders are playing with the emotions of Indians, rubbing salt in the wounds and doing politics; the people will not forget this,' the Maharashtra BJP state president stated.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis hit out at the senior Congress leader over his remarks and said that such statements 'add insult to injury' for the family members of the victims, who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack.

'Such statements add insult to injury for those who have lost their relatives. We all have seen what the family members of the victims have said. They were killed before them, and they have said this,' Fadnavis said.

This came after Waddetiwar on Monday questioned the version of the victims, who had said that the terrorists asked them their religion before opening fire, causing outrage among the BJP and its allies. (ANI)