Karnataka (Bengaluru) [India] : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday declined to comment on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent remarks regarding the Pahalgam terror attack, stating that the Congress party, under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, has already taken a firm stand on the issue at the national level.
Shivakumar emphasized that the Congress party has condemned the attack and expressed full solidarity with the government. He reiterated the importance of national integrity and peace in the face of such challenges. He said, “I do not want to comment on the statement of the Chief Minister. Already, my party at the national level under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi has made it clear. We condemn this attack. We have extended our solidarity with the government. The country’s integrity is very important. Peace is important. Let us all work to protect India first.”
His remarks came after Siddaramaiah’s statement on April 26, where the Chief Minister voiced his opposition to calls for war with Pakistan. Siddaramaiah raised concerns over what he termed as a “security lapse” in the Pahalgam attack, which led to the loss of 26 lives, and called for strengthened security measures in the Kashmir Valley.
Siddaramaiah had also taken to social media, emphasizing that war should always be a nation’s last resort and cautioning against escalating tensions without exhausting all diplomatic avenues. In his post on X, he wrote, “The horrific terror attack in Pahalgam, orchestrated by Pakistan-backed militants, has made it painfully clear that there were grave lapses in our intelligence and security apparatus. It is now the government’s solemn responsibility to correct these shortcomings and ensure such tragedies are not repeated.”
The Karnataka CM further supported the central government’s diplomatic initiatives, such as revisiting the Indus Waters Treaty, and stressed the need for decisive actions in the face of Pakistan-backed terrorism. He added, “The central government has already initiated certain diplomatic steps, including revisiting the Indus Waters Treaty — a move we wholeheartedly welcome. We trust that even sterner actions are on the horizon.”
Siddaramaiah also urged the government to confront internal divisive forces that threaten national unity and peace, stating that India must first forge unwavering internal unity before confronting external threats.
In his social media post, Siddaramaiah also highlighted the global condemnation of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, calling on India to use this support to deliver a strong message to Pakistan. He said, “We must seize this unprecedented global support and teach Pakistan a lesson so profound that they dare not commit such reckless acts ever again.”
As the situation continues to unfold, both the Karnataka leadership and the broader political establishment are calling for unity in the face of external threats and are urging the government to take firm and effective action against terrorism.