Full Breakdown
Rajasthan Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Chief’s “Neighbour” Remark Sparks Political Row
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Controversial Remark and Immediate Fallout
On October 15, 2026, Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore said, “If war breaks out between US and Pakistan, we will stand with Pakistan as it is our neighbour.” The comment, made during a public programme in Jaipur, was captured on video and quickly spread on social media platforms. Opposition parties reacted sharply, accusing the BJP of showing “affinity” for a nation they label a terrorist state.
Rathore’s Clarification and Responses
Rathore later asserted that his words were taken out of context. He explained that the statement was part of a discussion about a hypothetical cricket match between India and Pakistan, delivered at an event commemorating former President APJ Abdul Kalam that also featured members of the Muslim community. He claimed a short clip had been edited, presenting his remarks as a stance on foreign policy rather than sport.
Opposition Criticism
Congress national spokesperson Shama Mohamed denounced the remark as “anti-national,” questioning whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah share Rathore’s view. She demanded action against the state leader. Congress national coordinator Sandeep Gupta and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) representatives echoed similar concerns, labeling the comment as evidence of the BJP’s “love for Pakistan” and suggesting it revealed an ideological alignment with the neighbouring country.
Verbatim Quotes
- “VIDEO | Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore says, “If war breaks out between US and Pakistan, we will stand with Pakistan as it is our neighbour.” — Madan Rathore, Rajasthan BJP president (q1)
- “Someone has taken a 2-second or 8–10-second clip and presented it out of context. There is a conspiracy here.” — Madan Rathore, Rajasthan BJP president (q2)
- “The BJP’s love for the terrorist nation Pakistan, which kills our soldiers and our people, has come on display once again.” — Shama Mohamed, Congress spokesperson (q3)
- “The statement I made was in the context of the cricket match between India and Pakistan, but my statement was distorted and presented in a way that is absolutely not appropriate,” — Madan Rathore, Rajasthan BJP president (q5)
- “We all need to understand this. Look, when it comes to India, I say that if there is a war breaks out between America and Pakistan today, we are with Pakistan because it is our neighbour,” — Madan Rathore, Rajasthan BJP president (q8)
Timeline
- October 15, 2026 – Video of Rathore’s remark circulates; Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed posts criticism on X.
- October 16 – Rathore issues a clarification, stating the comment pertained to a cricket match and was distorted.