Bengaluru: The opposition BJP on Sunday criticised Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, as Pakistan media highlighted his "no need for war" remarks regarding the Pahalgam terror attack.
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashoka accused Siddaramaiah of behaving like a "puppet" of an enemy nation during a highly sensitive time, with the threat of war looming over the border.
On Saturday, Siddaramaiah stated that there is no need for a war with Pakistan, urging the central government to focus on strengthening the security system.
"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.
The terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, has left at least 26 persons dead, including two from Karnataka.
Addressing Siddaramaiah as "Pakistan Ratna", Ashoka chided him, saying, he has become world famous in Pakistan overnight due to your childish and absurd statements.
"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, Ashoka added.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said the entire world is condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, but it has become a habit for Congress leaders to talk lightly about the country without knowing the real situation.
"The entire world is offering condolences to India. Most countries are telling India to teach the terrorists a lesson in a way that they understand. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has made a statement that we should not punish those involved in terrorist activities but strengthen our security. This is condemnable," he said in a post on 'X'.
In charge of BJP's National Information & Technology Department, Amit Malviya in his 'X' post said, "Congress rushes to Pakistan's rescue. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who owes his position to Muslim votes, is being quoted across Pakistan for suggesting that we focus on security measures in Kashmir instead of confronting Pakistan, despite them murdering Indian Hindus in cold blood."
(inputs from PTI)