Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and R Ashoka
Credit: PTI, DH Photos
Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s recent comments about war with Pakistan have led to a storm of criticism from BJP leaders, who accused him of appeasing Pakistan and misrepresenting the sentiments of the country.
On Sunday, BJP leaders mocked Siddaramaiah, referring to him as ‘Wazir-e-Aala’ (chief minister) and ‘Pakistan Ratna’ in sarcastic posts across social media platforms.
State BJP president B Y Vijayendra was among the first to criticise Siddaramaiah, flaying his stance as being a source of glee for Pakistan.
“Big Cheers for ‘Wazir-e-Ala Siddaramaiah’ from far across the Borders!” Vijayendra posted on X.
Drawing parallels to the past when India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru was taken around Rawalpindi in an open jeep after the signing of the Indus Water Treaty, the post on X said, “Is Siddaramaiah going to be the next politician from India to be taken around in an open jeep in Pakistan?”
Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka joined in with further sarcasm, referring to Siddaramaiah as “Pakistan Ratna.”
He suggested that if the chief minister were to ever visit Pakistan, he would likely be given a royal welcome by the neighboring country.
“It wouldn’t be surprising if the Pakistani government honors you with the highest civilian award, Nishan-e-Pakistan, for being a ‘great peace ambassador’,” Ashoka said in a post on X.
Ashoka described Siddaramaiah’s comments as being favorable to Pakistan-backed extremist forces, questioning the CM’s loyalty to India.
“The hearts of Pakistan’s fanatic Muslim extremists are reaching out to the Congress party,” Ashoka said in the post, accusing the CM of undermining national security.
He also criticized other Congress leaders including Minister Priyank Kharge, who had suggested that all religions had individuals who strayed from the righteous path.
BJP MP Kota Srinivas Poojary congratulated Siddaramaiah for becoming a ‘star’ in Pakistan in a single day.
Poojary’s post on X said, “While the entire country is sitting with a burning desire to destroy Pakistan, you, sitting in that position (as CM), are saying that no action should be taken. Aren’t you ashamed?”
Former Deputy Chief Minister Dr C N Ashwath Narayan accused Siddaramaiah of prioritising vote bank over national security.
“At a time when the country is in a very delicate situation, with innocent people being killed by militant extremists who are challenging the very nation, who are you trying to please with such statements?,” he said in a post on X.
He questioned whether Siddaramaiah’s conscience had not been stirred by the grieving families of terror victims.
Addressing a press conference, BJP veteran B S Yediyurappa demanded an apology from the CM for his remarks.