Pahalgam terror attack: BJP slams Congress over Siddaramaiah’s ‘no need for war’ against Pak remark

The Bharatiya Janata Party slammed Congress and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah over his remarks dismissing war against Pakistan in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. Siddaramaiah’s remarks were reportedly quoted by Pakistan media against India.

Accusing Siddaramaiah of being Pakistan’s “puppet”, Karnataka Opposition leader R. Ashoka said the chief minister will be treated royally if he ever visits Pakistan. “If you ever visit Pakistan again, you are guaranteed royal hospitality,” Ashoka said in a post on X.

The BJP leader charged, “It wouldn’t be surprising if the Pakistan government honours you with their highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, recognizing you as a great ‘messenger of peace’ for advocating on behalf of Pakistan.” He added, “At a time when the country is facing an extremely sensitive situation, with the clouds of war looming at the border, you are behaving like a puppet of the enemy nation. The fact that people like you are in public life is the greatest tragedy for our country.” 

Paying tributes to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 persons were killed, Siddaramaiah said on Saturday, “There is no need for war, stringent measures should be taken. The security system needs to be tightened. We are not in favour of war. There should be peace, people should have security, and the central government should take security measures.” However, Pakistan media is reportedly using Siddaramaiah’s comments against India.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also condemned Siddaramaiah’s statement and tweeted, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made a statement that we should not punish those involved in terrorist activities but strengthen our security. This is condemnable.”

The BJP also slammed Karnataka Excise Minister R.B. Thimmapura's statement raising doubts over claims that terrorists asked for victims’ religion before gunning them down.