Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 7: Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka on Wednesday, May 7 lashed out at the Congress, accusing it of indulging in appeasement politics and lacking national commitment at a time when the country is confronting terrorism. He said that if a decisive counteroffensive like 'Operation Sindoor' had been undertaken following the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, India might have resolved the issue of cross-border terrorism long ago.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Ashoka said, “Our armed forces have avenged the killing of Hindus by eliminating terrorists. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has dealt a severe blow to Pakistan by demonstrating India’s ability to strike across the border. If such a response had come after the 2008 Mumbai attacks, things would have been different.”
Ashoka criticised Congress for its reaction, claiming that its leaders continue to post messages of peace instead of standing with national sentiment. “While the UP Congress president makes videos tying lemons to fighter jets and Karnataka minister Zameer Ahmed says he will strap a bomb to himself, the Congress demanded proof of surgical strikes the last time. This time, visuals are everywhere before they could even ask,” he remarked.
“Even now, they continue to chant peace. Which side are they on? The Congress in Karnataka is out of sync with national interest. Such posturing is an insult to the country,” he charged.
Ashoka said that even though Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge appears to back the Centre, Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah is opposed to war. “The Karnataka Congress leadership is clearly at odds with its national leadership. They’re not even listening to Jairam Ramesh’s warnings. Kharge should act against the state leaders before further damage is done.”
He alleged that Congress fears losing Muslim votes if it supports strong action against Pakistan. “Every other state is deporting Pakistani nationals. Karnataka hasn't. Congress could have at least appreciated our soldiers. But how long will they keep chanting peace?” he questioned.
Taking a dig at minister Zameer Ahmed, Ashoka said, “He talks about strapping a bomb. Why not go to the sleeper cells in his own party office? If he’s so brave, let him start there. Terrorists won't harm him anyway.”
Ashoka also took aim at chief minister Siddaramaiah, saying, “He’s on record saying he doesn’t visit temples. Now, for optics during Operation Sindoor, he’s applying tilak for the cameras. It’s all political drama. He doesn’t believe in Hinduism.”
On the suspension of BJP MLAs in the assembly, Ashoka called the move unfair and accused speaker U T Khader of poor conduct. “Our suspension should have ended with the session. The speaker doesn’t even respond properly—I called him eight times and he kept saying, ‘Come later’,” Ashoka said.
Ashoka concluded by saying the Congress was weakening the nation's resolve and had lost credibility by placing political interests above national security.