Siddaramaiah Clarifies War Stance Amid BJP’s 'Pakistan Ratna' Jibe Over Pahalgam Attack Remarks

A day after his remark opposing war with Pakistan sparked major controversy, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified today that he "never said we should not go to war".

The veteran Congress leader's comments have elicited strong reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with its leaders labelling him a "Pakistan Ratna" and pointing to Pakistani media reports covering his statement.

Photo Credit: PTI

"I never said we should never go to war with Pakistan, I just said war is not the solution. Protection should have been given to the tourists. Whose responsibility is this? I have said there has been a failure," the Congress leader stated.

He added, "There is a failure of intelligence. The government of India didn't provide ample security. As far as war is concerned, if it's inevitable, we must go to war."

On the previous day, Siddaramaiah had stirred debate by stating there was no need to wage war against Pakistan.

"Strict security measures must be initiated. We are not in favour of waging war. There should be peace, people must feel secure, and the central government should ensure effective security arrangements," he remarked.

Pakistani media, including prominent channel Geo News, reported on the Karnataka Chief Minister's comments, describing them as "voices against war from within India".

Sharing a Geo News bulletin clip, Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra posted on X: "Big cheers for Wazar-e-Ala @siddaramaiah from far across the Borders! Pakistani media is all too praise for @siddaramaiah & visibly disappointed at the backlash he is receiving from BJP & others, for his comments against war with Pakistan."

Referencing India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vijayendra said, "Nehru was taken around in an open Jeep around the streets of Rawalpindi, as Pakistan was too happy with Nehru for signing the Indus Water Treaty that favoured Pakistan. Is Siddaramaiah going to be the next politician from India to be taken around in open Jeep in Pakistan?"

Siddaramaiah's remarks also faced condemnation from former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP stalwart BS Yediyurappa.

"At a time when we need to stand united, Siddaramaiah's statements are highly condemnable and childish. He should understand the reality and not make such comments when the nation is standing together. It doesn't fare well for his position as Chief Minister. I condemn this. He should apologise to the people of the country and mend his ways," he said.

R Ashoka, Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, dubbed Siddaramaiah a "Pakistan Ratna".

"Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, you have become world famous in Pakistan overnight due to your childish and absurd statements," he remarked.

Siddaramaiah's comments also drew criticism from within his own party. Congress leader HR Srinath clarified that it was a "personal statement" and not reflective of the party's position.

"This is a personal statement by Siddaramaiah not that of the Congress party. All I want to say is that if you want to make such personal statements, you can resign from the party and the position of Chief Minister and go ahead. Rahul Gandhi and others have appealed for unity. Instead of following them, making personal comments is very wrong," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar declined to comment on Siddaramaiah's remarks. "Congress Party has taken a stand against the terror strike. I don't want to comment on what the CM said. You have to ask him about it," he stated.

The 22 April terror attack in Baisaran valley, Pahalgam, claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a Kashmiri pony ride operator.

The brutal attack has fuelled demands for robust action against Pakistan, known for supporting terrorist activities in India.

In response, India has suspended the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and visa services for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan has warned it may suspend all bilateral agreements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed that India will identify, track, and punish every terrorist and their supporters.

"From Kargil to Kanyakumari, there is grief and rage. This attack was not just on innocent tourists; the country's enemies have shown the audacity to attack India's soul," he said, adding that the terrorists who carried out the attack and those who plotted it would "get a punishment they cannot imagine".

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi stated that the government has the Opposition's full support for any action.