Remark on Kulbhushan Jadhav triggers row

New Delhi: Samajwadi Party leader Naresh Agarwal on Wednesday stirred up a controversy by commenting on Mr Kulbhushan Jadhav, who is jailed in Pakistan. Mr Agarwal, speaking to TV channels said, “What ideology a particular nation follows, it is known only to that nation. If Pakistan considers Jadhav a terrorist, then they will behave with him accordingly.”

Reacting sharply, BJP national spokesperson G.V.L. Narsimha Rao said, “These comments are symptomatic of betrayal of national interest by the Congress-led UPA over Pakistan. They side with Pak, wine and dine with Pak leaders, abuse Indian Army chief, question surgical strikes, call Kulbhushan Jadhav a terrorist. Alas!”

Mr Agarwal further added “Our nation should also treat terrorists in the same way, in a tough manner. I don’t understand why the media is only talking about Jadhav. There are hundreds of Indians lodged in Pakistani jails. Why they are not being talked about?”

In what appeared to be damage control, Mr Agarwal later wrote to Rajya Sabha chairman Mr. Venkaiha Naidu saying: “The ill-treatment meted out to Indian prisoners lodged in Pakistani jails is known to all. In spite of knowing this Indian government has not taken stern steps, this is a very serious matter.”

Mr Jadhav was arrested by Pakistan in March this year.