Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 29: Karnataka BJP has come down heavily on the Congress party, accusing its leaders of insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and indirectly siding with Pakistan.
Speaking to the media in Bengaluru on Tuesday, leader of the Opposition R Ashoka condemned the alleged defacement of the Prime Minister’s photograph, calling it a criminal act and a direct affront to the dignity of the office.
He also pointed to recent statements made by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and minister R B Timmapur regarding the Pahalgam terror incident and India-Pakistan relations, stating that such remarks amount to disrespecting national security and give indirect support to Pakistan.
"CM Siddaramaiah claims war is unnecessary, and Timmapur downplays the brutality of terrorism. These comments undermine India’s stand on national security," Ashoka said, adding that the Congress must take accountability for remarks made by its senior leaders.
Ashoka also criticised the Congress for failing to maintain discipline within the party. "Jairam Ramesh has disowned the comments made by Siddaramaiah and Timmapur. When the party itself doesn’t back its leaders, what moral authority do they have left?" he questioned.
He further accused Siddaramaiah of becoming a favourite in Pakistan. "If he contests elections in Lahore, he might win by a margin of one lac votes. Soon he could be honoured with a civilian award by Pakistan," Ashoka remarked sarcastically.
He expressed concern over what he described as the state government's increasing hostility towards public officials. "This government has sent out the message that even police officers can be targeted. Recently, the CM publicly questioned the presence of a Deputy Commissioner at an event. This arrogance won’t last," Ashoka said.
He concluded by alleging that law and order in Karnataka has deteriorated under Congress rule. "The state is now being run by rowdies, and the Chief Minister’s behaviour only emboldens them," he said.