BJD MP Sulata Deo's remark on Pahalgam terror attack sparks row in Odisha

In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack, Rajya Sabha MP and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Sulata Deo's remarks have drawn significant controversy in Odisha.

In her statement on the tragic incident, Deo said that it is not possible for the perpetrators to ask about the victims' religions within the time span of the attack. She also stated that no terrorist is ever bound by religion or caste. 

"The time span within which so many people died, it's not possible to ask about their religions within that period. No terrorist is ever bound by religion or caste," said Deo.

'Vile and depraved mentality’ 

These comments have led to sharp criticism from senior BJP leader and Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. 

Harichandan condemned the remarks, asserting that those who trivialise the suffering of victims are unworthy of political office. He called for people to discard such individuals possessing such a 'vile and depraved mentality.'

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"Politics is done on the basis of people's hearts. Those who mock the sufferings of others are not worthy to be in politics. People should discard individuals with such mentality," said Harichandan.

‘Who mock others deserves to be mocked’ 

Within Deo's own party, there has been dissatisfaction with her remarks. Debi Prasad Mishra, Chairperson of the BJD Coordination Committee, commented that those who mock others deserve to be mocked. Mishra pointed out that such conduct runs contrary to India’s cultural ethos.

"Those who mock others deserve to be mocked. One should not mock others during their sufferings. Such conduct is contrary to our cultural ethos," said Mishra.