Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 25: The Karnataka Congress has announced plans to organize a candlelight march across all district headquarters in the state on Friday evening to condemn the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 26 innocent civilians.
Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister, D K Shivakumar, in a statement from Mysuru, urged party workers to participate in the march. "To pay respects to all the victims who were killed in the Pahalgam terror attack and to pray for their souls, party workers and leaders should carry out a candlelight protest in all district headquarters," he said.
Shivakumar emphasized the Congress party's strong condemnation of the attack, stressing that the party is committed to maintaining peace, unity, and integrity in the country. "The Congress party has issued directions in this regard. I have also conveyed the message that all party workers must participate in the candlelight protest at this time," he added.
When questioned about security lapses related to the attack, Shivakumar refrained from placing blame, highlighting the importance of maintaining peace at this sensitive time. "This is not the time for criticism or mudslinging. Let the BJP issue any statement they want. I am the president of a responsible political party," he stated. He also called for unity among the people, stating, "We should not fall prey to the acts of a few elements."
The Deputy CM further emphasized that the central government had already promised strict action in response to the attack and reiterated the Congress party's support for these measures. "It is now up to the Centre," he said.
Shivakumar also released a video appealing to party members to join the candlelight march. "All party MLAs, leaders, and workers we should all bow our heads in respect following the terror attack in Kashmir. It is our duty to protect the integrity, unity, and peace of the country," he said, urging members to gather for the prayer and march at 7 pm on Friday at all district headquarters, including Bengaluru.
In addition to addressing the terror attack, Shivakumar announced the launch of a significant religious initiative the ‘Cauvery Aarti’ at the KRS Dam, to honor the Cauvery River, which is vital for the region. The government has allocated Rs 98 cr for the event, and a committee has been formed to ensure its successful execution. The Aarti will take inspiration from the famous Ganga Aarti, with the objective of offering prayers to the river, which supports millions of lives across Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala.
Furthermore, Shivakumar shared plans to include coastal Karnataka's traditional sport, ‘Kambala,’ in this year's Mysuru Dasara celebrations, reflecting the government's commitment to preserving local culture.
The Congress's actions come at a time of heightened tensions following the Pahalgam attack, signaling the party's resolve to foster unity and peace during a challenging period.