A Hindu Cannot Be a Terrorist, Says Haryana Minister Anil Vij

Vij called it unfortunate that two Pakistani men caught in the case were released but Indians were held accountable.

Anil Vij is Haryana’s Sports Minister. (Photo: The Quint)

BJP leader and Haryana Health and Sports Minister Anil Vij alleged that the concept of Hindu terrorism is a Congress-led ploy.

Talking about the 2007 Samjhauta Express blast case in a television interview, he said, “There can't be a terminology like Hindu terrorism. A Hindu cannot be a terrorist. Had there been Hindu terrorism, no other terrorism would be present in this entire region. This (Hindu terrorism) was only a political ploy by the previous Congress government to counter certain acts of terrorism where Muslims were involved.”

Reacting to Vij’s comment, Congress leader Digvijay Singh said that Vij was right. He said, “Sanghi aatankwaad hota hai... Hindu aatankwaad kabhi nahin hota. (RSS are terrorists, Hindus are not)”

He called it unfortunate that two Pakistani men caught in the case were released, but Indians were held accountable.

Refuting the angle of Hindu terror being involved in the blast, Anil Vij said that investigations under the Congress government were improper.

Vij had earlier stirred controversy when he said that it’s good that PM Modi replaced Gandhi on the Khadi calendars and diaries because “he’s a bigger brand name.”

After receiving flak for the same, Vij had to retract his statement, saying it was his personal opinion and was not intended to hurt anyone’s sentiments.