Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Apr 27: Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka on Saturday slammed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his remarks on the Pahalgam terror attack, calling them insensitive and shameful. He demanded that Siddaramaiah apologise for his comments.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Ashoka said, “Siddaramaiah’s approach reflects a mindset where votes matter more than the nation’s security. Comparing the killings in Kashmir to civilian deaths in Israel and dismissing the value of Indian lives is unacceptable. Only Siddaramaiah can show such forgiveness towards terrorists.”
He criticised Siddaramaiah for saying that "lives once lost cannot be brought back," stating that such remarks lack compassion and sensitivity towards the grieving families. “If something similar had happened in his own family, would he have spoken the same way?” he questioned.
Ashoka also pointed out the contradiction within the Congress party. “While Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has supported the Union government’s stance, Siddaramaiah continues to speak against it. His irresponsible statements show that his only concern is holding on to power,” he alleged.
He further raised concerns over illegal foreign nationals in the state. “There are reportedly several Pakistani citizens residing in Bhatkal. Despite Union government orders to deport them, the Karnataka government has failed to act. When Muslim women in Kalaburagi removed a Pakistani flag pasted on a road, it exposed that enemies are operating within,” Ashoka said, demanding that all Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals be deported immediately.
Ashoka praised security forces and intelligence agencies for ensuring the safety of Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad, who visited Kashmir to assist victims' families. “Congress leaders should learn how to behave responsibly during a national crisis instead of politicising tragedies,” he added.
Meanwhile, BJP MP and Yuva Morcha national president Tejasvi Surya led a massive Mashal rally from Lalbagh West Gate in Bengaluru to honour the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Thousands of citizens participated, raising slogans against terrorism and expressing solidarity with the grieving families.
Addressing the gathering, Surya demanded that the Karnataka government enhance the ex gratia compensation announced for the families of the victims. “The survivors, many of whom are single mothers, need long-term support till their children complete their education,” he stressed.
He pledged personal support to the families of the two victims from Karnataka and hailed the spirit of Bengaluru South. “Terrorism can never defeat our nation's resolve. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong leadership, India stands united and determined to defeat terrorism,” he said.
Surya also stated that the overwhelming public participation in the Mashal rally reflected the anger against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism and reaffirmed confidence that India would deliver a strong response to the perpetrators.