Daijiworld Media Network – Hubballi

Hubballi, May 3: Union minister for food, public distribution and consumer affairs, Pralhad Joshi, launched a scathing attack on the Congress party on Friday, accusing several of its leaders of echoing Pakistan’s narrative on terrorism and becoming ‘heroes’ across the border.

Speaking to the media in Hubballi, Joshi criticised Congress leaders for allegedly downplaying acts of terror and making statements that, according to him, embolden Pakistan. “They blamed the RSS for the Mumbai attack and labelled the Kashmir incident as ‘Hindu terror’. Now they post ‘Gayab’ posters and delete them later. Is this not treason?” Joshi questioned.

He claimed that three Karnataka ministers, including chief minister Siddaramaiah, have gained praise in Pakistan for their remarks, while also referring to comments by Robert Vadra. Joshi accused the Congress of providing Pakistan with the opportunity to deflect responsibility for the Pahalgam attack.

Joshi also took a dig at CM Siddaramaiah, alleging that he has grown arrogant and frustrated due to internal tensions with Deputy CM D K Shivakumar. He criticised Siddaramaiah’s confrontational behaviour with officials and journalists and reminded him of his past protests against former PM Indira Gandhi.

On the Pahalgam terror attack, Joshi demanded answers over the state’s handling of Pakistani nationals and asked how many had been deported from Karnataka following the Centre’s directive. “Other states are taking action. Why is Karnataka silent?” he asked.

The union minister reiterated the Modi government's commitment to eradicating terrorism, claiming an 80% decline in such activities nationwide, including in Jammu and Kashmir. He accused Congress leaders of speaking irresponsibly on national security and warned, “Terrorists and their supporters will be hunted down and eliminated.”

On left-wing extremism, Joshi asserted that Naxalism has been reduced to 10% of its former spread and would be wiped out entirely by 2026.