After Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's response to the terror attack at Pahalgam that killed 26, becoming highly publicized in the Pakistan media, Karnataka BJP attacked him. They charged Chief Minister for being the "puppet" of Pakistan.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka availed himself of his X handle and uploaded an excerpt of a video by one of the Pakistani news channels from Siddaramaiah's address. Ashoka, writing in a Kannada blog, referred to the CM as "Pakistan Ratna" and said (free translation), "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, you have overnight gained popularity internationally in Pakistan by your childish and stupid statements. Congratulations! If you ever travel to Pakistan in the future, you will be welcomed like royalty.". It will not be inappropriate if the Pakistani government recognizes you as a good peace advocate and rewards you with their top civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan.
Ashoka also criticized Siddaramaiah, stating that at a time when India is confronted with a sensitive matter and the threat of war looms over the nation, the CM is acting like an enemy nation's "puppet". He further stated, "The fact that there are people like you in public life is one of the biggest tragedies for our nation."
Responding to the outrage on the likelihood of war with Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack, CM Siddaramaiah stated on Saturday at Mysuru, "There is no need for war against Pakistan now. What should be done is that good security should be imposed. We do not want to engage in war. Peace must be preserved, and the people must be made secure. The Central government must ensure that proper security arrangements are made."
When asked about the Central government’s acknowledgment of a security lapse in Pahalgam, Siddaramaiah stated, “I’ve spoken the truth about the security lapse behind the Pahalgam attack. Proper security measures should have been in place, especially in a popular tourist spot. This area has witnessed tragic incidents before, like the Pulwama attack, which claimed 40 soldiers’ lives. The authorities should have been far more cautious.”
The CM further said, "There was failure of intelligence and security. People believed that they were safe, but the Central government failed to provide them the necessary security. The people had trust in the government, but it betrayed the people."
He also asked, "What should be done so that the 26 lives that were lost during the Pahalgam attack are recovered?
On hearing reports that there were no officials from the security personnel present at the location, Siddaramaiah stated, "I'm not aware of that as yet. I plan to speak to the State Labour Minister, Santosh Lad, who was sent to Kashmir after the incident to find out more."
Minister Lad had been tasked with bringing all the people stranded from Karnataka in Jammu and Kashmir back home.
With regard to repatriating Pakistani nationals from the state, Siddaramaiah said, "We will assist. We will provide the Central government required information and make arrangements to return them. But I do not have the required information about the number of Pakistani nationals who are in the various cities of Karnataka, although there are quite a number of them in Bengaluru."
Siddaramaiah also attacked Prime Minister Modi and stated, "The Prime Minister should have attended the all-party meeting that was called in response to the Pahalgam attack. They are trying to fool people. Is campaigning for Bihar elections more important or the all-party meeting?"
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