Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s ‘No War With Pakistan’ Remark Sparks BJP Outrage; LoP R Ashoka Demands Apology

Kalaburagi, April 26 — A fresh political storm has erupted in Karnataka after CM Siddaramaiah’s controversial remark opposing war with Pakistan following the deadly terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. Karnataka Leader of Opposition (LoP) R Ashoka launched a scathing attack on the CM, accusing him of playing “vote-bank politics” during a time of national crisis and demanded an immediate apology.

Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Ashoka said, “When a Pakistani flag was found pasted on a road, it was Muslim women who came forward and removed it. This shows that the nation must speak in one voice. However, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is speaking in the divisive voice of vote-bank politics.”

The BJP leader expressed deep shock over Siddaramaiah’s comment, especially in the aftermath of the brutal terrorist assault that left 26 innocent lives lost in Pahalgam. Drawing parallels to attacks in Israel where civilians were targeted, Ashoka said terrorists are attacking Hindus in Jammu and Kashmir, yet the CM’s response lacks empathy and nationalistic fervor.

“CM Siddaramaiah’s Priorities Are Votes, Not The Nation,” Says R Ashoka

Firing a volley of accusations, R Ashoka alleged,
“Only a person disconnected from national pride could forgive such terror acts. Siddaramaiah’s mindset of ignoring the nation’s pain in pursuit of votes is disgraceful. It reveals a dangerous prioritization of power over principles.”

He added that while the entire country is mourning and protesting the barbaric attack, Siddaramaiah’s remarks that “lost lives cannot be brought back” show an appalling level of insensitivity.
“Had such a tragedy struck his own family, would he have spoken so casually?” Ashoka questioned, denouncing the CM’s “lack of compassion” even as he visited victims’ families.

Ashoka also criticized Siddaramaiah for allegedly ignoring central government directives on deporting Pakistani nationals residing illegally in Karnataka’s Bhatkal region, stating that nearly a dozen such individuals continue to live freely under the state government’s watch.

What Exactly Did CM Siddaramaiah Say?

Siddaramaiah Pakistan War Remark: Following the terror attack, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah commented that he was “not in favour of war” with Pakistan, emphasizing instead the need to address “security lapses” in Jammu and Kashmir.
He stated,
“There has been a security lapse. We are not in favour of war. Necessary steps must be taken to tighten security measures in Kashmir. The central government should increase security to maintain peace in the region.”

While Siddaramaiah’s focus was on avoiding further escalation and ensuring tighter security, his critics argue that his words came at a deeply sensitive time, creating a rift instead of fostering national unity.

BJP and Congress Stand at Crossroads Again

Interestingly, even as Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed solidarity with the central government’s efforts against terrorism, Siddaramaiah’s comments painted a contrasting picture, causing further friction between the state’s Congress leadership and opposition BJP.

The political tension underscores a broader debate — should leaders prioritize peace talks at all costs or adopt a more aggressive posture when national security is at stake?
As the nation mourns the lives lost in the Pahalgam attack, Karnataka finds itself at the center of a heated political and emotional battle over patriotism, leadership, and the soul of the state’s governance.

As emotions run high across India, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement has ignited fierce backlash, adding fuel to Karnataka’s already charged political atmosphere. Whether the CM’s call for peace will resonate with citizens — or be seen as a political misstep — remains to be seen.

For now, R Ashoka and the BJP have made it clear: in times of national tragedy, they expect not just action, but words that unite, not divide.