Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, April 27: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday took a U-turn following backlash over his remarks against going to war with Pakistan after the recent Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives.
The chief minister clarified that war should be waged only when absolutely unavoidable, while BJP leader and former chief minister B S Yediyurappa demanded an apology from him, calling the initial statement "childish" and unbecoming of a chief minister.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, CM Siddaramaiah responded to criticism over his earlier statement where he had said, "There is no necessity to wage a war against Pakistan." Clarifying his stand, he said, “War cannot offer a solution. It should be considered only when there is no other option. Immediate war is not necessary, but that does not mean war should never happen if it becomes inevitable.”
The chief minister also pointed to what he termed as a serious lapse in the Centre’s handling of security. “I have pointed out that there has been a failure in the security system under the Central government. Twenty-six tourists lost their lives in a terrorist attack. Earlier, in the Pulwama attack, 40 soldiers were martyred. The Central government did not provide adequate security,” he remarked.
Speaking earlier in Mysuru on Saturday, Siddaramaiah had said, “There is no necessity to wage a war against Pakistan. Strict security measures must be initiated. We are not in favour of waging war. There should be peace, people must feel secure, and the Central government should ensure effective security arrangements.”
When asked about the Centre admitting to a lapse in security during the Pahalgam incident, the chief minister responded, “I have spoken the truth regarding the security lapse behind the Pahalgam terror attack. Proper security arrangements should have been made. That was a tourist spot visited by a large number of tourists. In the same region, at Pulwama, 40 soldiers were killed earlier. They should have been extremely careful.”
He further stated, “There was both an intelligence failure and a security failure. The people believed they were safe, but the Central government could not provide them security. The people trusted them, but the Central government failed. Whatever action they may take now, will the 26 people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack return?”
The remarks by the chief minister were picked up by Pakistani media, sparking a political storm in Karnataka. Leader of Opposition R Ashoka posted a video clip of a Pakistani news channel airing Siddaramaiah’s statement on social media platform X. He mockingly dubbed the chief minister as “Pakistan Ratna”, saying, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, You have become world famous in Pakistan overnight due to your childish and absurd statements.”
Joining the chorus, BJP Central Parliamentary Committee member and former chief minister B S Yediyurappa lashed out at Siddaramaiah. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said, “At this juncture, the nation has to stand unitedly. The issuance of this statement won’t bring dignity to the position of chief minister. I condemn his remarks, and CM Siddaramaiah should apologise before the nation, and I also appeal to him to correct his conduct in future.”
Echoing similar sentiments, BJP State president and MLA B Y Vijayendra, son of Yediyurappa, alleged that people in Karnataka are well aware of Siddaramaiah’s "affection for minorities." He said, “People know to what extent CM Siddaramaiah will stoop when it comes to minority issues. However, when it is a matter concerning the nation, every self-respecting Indian has condemned the terrorist attack and killings in Kashmir.”
He added, “India has never historically waged war first, but when it comes to protecting Indians, the prime minister consults all chief ministers and then takes appropriate decisions. Siddaramaiah’s view that India should not go to war against Pakistan is completely wrong. It is an unpardonable crime.”
Vijayendra further took the opportunity to criticise Siddaramaiah’s handling of the caste census issue, alleging undue haste despite unresolved objections. “CM Siddaramaiah had held several rounds of meetings regarding the caste census. A special cabinet meeting was convened and a decision had already been prepared regarding the cabinet resolution. Yet, they were unable to take a final decision, and the CM must answer for this delay,” he said.
He also cited former chief minister and senior Congress leader Veerappa Moily, who has described the caste census data as outdated by nearly a decade and unscientific. Vijayendra noted that several backward communities, including the Ediga and Madivala communities, have raised serious objections about the accuracy of the statistics and questioned Siddaramaiah’s urgency in pushing it forward.