Hitting back at the Congress for its criticism of the India-Pakistan ceasefire, Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R. Ashok on Thursday urged the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) to announce if it supported war or peace, as some Congress leaders were themselves split between continuing the conflict and having peace.
Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Ashok said while some Congress leaders initially opposed war and favoured peace, they later called for war.
“Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge welcomed the ceasefire, but others in the Congress have been insisting on continuing the war,” he said and alleged that the Congress had multiple factions, which was evident with leaders issuing contradictory statements despite warnings from senior leader Jairam Ramesh.
He urged the AICC to clearly state its stance on whether it wanted war, peace, or negotiations before discussing other issues like holding a special parliamentary session.
“Indian soldiers are still hunting and eliminating terrorists, and everyone should trust them,” Mr. Ashok remarked.
Alleging that the Congress leaders had desisted from questioning the government of their own allies in Kashmir, he stressed the need to not indulge in politics in crucial times like what the country was facing now.
Taking a dig at the Congress leaders, who have been critical of ceasefire with Pakistan, Mr. Ashok alleged that during the Mumbai terror attack, which killed 175 people, the Manmohan Singh-led UPA government failed to respond. In contrast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had given a fitting reply, he maintained.
The BJP leader claimed that the entire Jammu and Kashmir, including its Chief Minister, was supporting Mr. Modi.
“People there have witnessed development, and Mr. Modi has declared that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir belongs to India and will be reclaimed,” Mr. Ashok said.
Tiranga Yatra in Bengaluru
The BJP’s Tiranga yatra that was taken out in Bengaluru on Thursday to express solidarity with the armed forces and also to mark the victory of Operation Sindoor saw people taking part in what was called an “apolitical” procession.
The march that was taken out from Sirur Playground on Sampige Road to Malleswaram 18th cross displayed a huge national flag.
Air Marshal A.V. Murali (retd), BJP’s State in charge Radha Mohan Das Agarwal, co-in-charge Sudhakar Reddy and Leaders of the Opposition in both the Houses of State legislature R. Ashok and Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, and former Deputy Chief Minister C.N. Ashwath Narayan were among those present.
Published – May 16, 2025 01:16 am IST
