'War with Pak only if inevitable': Siddaramaiah clarifies after BJP's offensive

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday (April 27) clarified that he did not say completely no to war with Pakistan, but meant that there should be war only if it is inevitable, as it is not the solution.

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His clarification came after Pakistan media played up his “no need for war” comments over the Pahalgam terror attack and the BJP mounted a fierce offensive against him with Leader of Opposition R Ashoka even dubbing him as “Pakistan Ratna”.

Slams Centre for lapses

When told about Pakistan media playing up his statement, he said, “I did not say no to a war with Pakistan. What I said is that war is not a solution. Security should have been provided there, as many tourists go to Kashmir.”

“26 people were killed (in Pahalgam), 40 soldiers were killed (in Pulwama attack). So there is a failure of intelligence from the Government of India. I have said that the Government of India did not provide proper security. There should be war if it is inevitable, not that it should not be done at all. But, immediately, there is no need for war, this is what I have said," he added.

BJP lashes out at CM

Meanwhile, the Opposition BJP hit out at Siddaramaiah for his controversial remarks. Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka accused Siddaramaiah of acting like a “puppet” of an enemy nation, at a time when the country is facing a very sensitive situation, with the threat of war looming over the border.

“Congratulations to you. If you ever visit Pakistan again, you are guaranteed royal hospitality. It will not be surprising if the Pakistani government honours you with the highest civilian award, the Nishan-e-Pakistan, as a great peace ambassador who has advocated for Pakistan,” he said in a post on X, with a clipping of a Pakistani news channel playing up Siddaramaiah’s statement.

The presence of people like Siddaramaiah in public life is the biggest tragedy of our country, he added.

What sparked row?

Earlier, Siddaramaiah on Saturday had said there is no need for a war with Pakistan, but the central government should strengthen the security system.

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“There is no need for war, stringent measures should be taken. The security system needs to be tightened. We are not in favour of war. There should be peace, people should have security, and the central government should take security measures....,” he had said.

Significantly, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said he does not want to comment on what the chief minister has said, but noted that India has to be protected and that the Congress party has taken a stand on it.

(With agency inputs)