NEW DELHI: BJP MP Tejasvi Surya strongly criticized Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah’s recent statement opposing war with Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The disagreement emerged after Siddaramaiah expressed concerns about security lapses and advocated for peaceful measures rather than military action against Pakistan.
Surya expressed strong disapproval of the chief minister’s stance, questioning the appropriateness of such statements from a state leader.
“Chief minister Siddaramaiah’s statement that we must not take severe action against Pakistan is highly condemnable and objectionable. Who are we to take this call? It is for the army. It is for the leadership of the government to take this call. For those who have massacred our people brutally, if we don’t take action against them, should we do Aarti? Should we give them some awards? Should we call them here and in front of the Vidhan Sabha and felicitate them?” Surya said.
Surya emphasized that Siddaramaiah should have taken a stronger stance, particularly given that three people from Karnataka were among those killed in the attack.
“The chief minister should realise that he represents a state where three people have been killed brutally by these terrorists, and the least he can do is demand strict action and condemn what has happened,” Surya added.
Karnataka Opposition Leader R Ashoka also joined the criticism, demanding an apology from Siddaramaiah.
“At a time when the country is in crisis, the statement made by CM Siddaramaiah is shocking. His mindset of prioritising votes is shameful and condemnable,” Ashoka stated.
The controversy stemmed from Siddaramaiah’s statement on April 26, where he expressed his position on the situation.
“There has been a security lapse in this incident. We are not in favour of war. Steps should be taken to tighten security measures in the Kashmir region. The central government should increase security to ensure peace in Kashmir,” Siddaramaiah had told reporters.
The terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 resulted in 26 casualties, leading to heightened tensions and discussions about appropriate responses to the incident.