The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s comments following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives. BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla accused Congress leaders of attempting to give a “clean chit” to Pakistan after every terrorist attack.
On April 26, Siddaramaiah remarked that he was not in favor of war with Pakistan and cited a “security lapse” in the attack that left many injured. He called for enhanced security measures in the Kashmir valley to ensure peace, adding that the central government should focus on strengthening security in the region. “There has been a security lapse in this incident. We are not in favor of war. Steps should be taken to tighten security measures in the Kashmir region,” Siddaramaiah said.
In response, Poonawalla quoted Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism. “Prime Minister Modi has made it absolutely clear that we have zero tolerance towards terrorism and will go to any lengths to punish the terrorists and their conspirators behind this attack,” he stated. Poonawalla also reminded that India’s response to terror has shifted post-26/11, referencing the surgical strikes and the Balakot airstrike as examples of decisive action.
The BJP leader criticized Congress leaders like Robert Vadra, Mani Shankar Aiyar, and now Siddaramaiah for allegedly defending Pakistan after terror attacks. “Every time Pakistan carries out a terror attack, Congress leaders seem to compete in defending Pakistan. They are even hailed by Pakistani media, wanting to become heroes there,” Poonawalla added.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, the Indian government has vowed to take strong action against the terrorists and their supporters in Pakistan, ensuring they face severe punishment.