Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has sparked controversy with his remarks calling for peace in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives in Jammu and Kashmir. His statement, urging restraint instead of direct action against Pakistan, has drawn sharp criticism from political leaders and citizens alike.
During a press interaction, Siddaramaiah stated, “There is no need for war against Pakistan, we want peace.” He also blamed the attack on security lapses, emphasizing the need for tightening security measures rather than escalating tensions. His comments have since been widely circulated by Pakistani media, fueling concerns that they are being used as a propaganda tool to deflect blame.
The remarks have triggered a political storm, with BJP leaders and opposition figures accusing Siddaramaiah of prioritizing vote-bank politics over national security. Karnataka’s Leader of Opposition R Ashoka demanded an unconditional apology, calling the statement disgraceful. BJP IT Cell head Amit Malviya also criticized the Congress leader, alleging that his stance aligns with Pakistan’s narrative.
Social media erupted with reactions, with users branding Siddaramaiah a “traitor” and demanding strong action against him. Some political analysts argue that his comments reflect Congress’s historical stance on Pakistan-related issues, while others believe his remarks were misinterpreted.
Amid the growing backlash, Siddaramaiah later clarified his statement, asserting that he did not oppose military action if necessary but emphasized that security measures should be strengthened first.
