Has the Army Ever Been Given Such Free Hand Before?

Bengaluru, May 6 (NationPress) Commending Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, former Prime Minister and JD-S Rajya Sabha MP H.D. Deve Gowda expressed on Tuesday that PM Modi has granted the Army unprecedented autonomy to respond to the terrorists responsible for the Pahalgam terror attack.

"The Prime Minister has vowed not to rest until the terrorists are apprehended and brought to justice. For the first time, a Prime Minister has taken such a courageous step, empowering the Army to act freely," Gowda stated during a media interaction in New Delhi.

Voicing his profound sadness over the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of innocent tourists, the former Prime Minister labeled it an unprecedented tragedy.

"This marks the first occasion where tourists have been specifically targeted in Kashmir in such a horrific and calculated manner," he observed.

He highlighted that PM Modi has convened meetings with the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to strategize on ensuring coordinated national defense.

"Never before has any Prime Minister granted such freedom to the armed forces," he remarked.

Gowda emphasized support for PM Modi, stating, "Including Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, we firmly stand with PM Modi during this critical time."

He also pointed out the unified political stance, saying, "The Home Minister and Defence Minister have collectively taken responsibility. The entire nation stands with PM Modi, with all political entities backing the measures enacted so far."

While acknowledging a temporary decline in tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, he remained hopeful, asserting, "Tourist numbers may have dropped for now, but I am confident they will rebound in the future."

Gowda dismissed any comparisons to historical events, particularly the 1971 war, stating, "Today’s circumstances are not comparable to those of the past. Situations have evolved."

He refrained from commenting on past administrations, saying, "What transpired during Indira Gandhi’s tenure is no longer relevant."

He underscored that religion should not factor into the current response: "This is not about Hindu or Muslim. All parties have unequivocally stated their support for the PM and our armed forces."

On the topic of caste census, Deve Gowda welcomed the Union government’s initiative to conduct a nationwide caste census.

"Internal reservation has taken a serious turn, and the PM, alongside the Union government, is addressing it methodically," he noted.

He recognized that Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and other party officials have fully supported the Centre’s initiative.

"States like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana may have their individual perspectives, but the Centre is adopting a structured approach," he remarked, acknowledging the challenges faced by regions such as the Northeast.

Criticizing Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, Deve Gowda stated, "The Chief Minister, who claims to be a champion for SCs and STs, should first disclose what actions he has taken in his capacity as CM. He has presented 16 budgets yet failed to authorize a caste census. His ministers could not defend him."

"Siddaramaiah was discussing the Kantharaju Commission's report, followed by the retired Justice H.N. Nagmohan Das Committee. Still, no approval materialized. Now, he wishes to educate the PM and Home Minister on social justice?" Gowda challenged the Congress-led state government.

In conclusion, he quipped, "Let Siddaramaiah first reveal how many members of the backward class work in his office. The PM will not permit injustice to any community, and we will steadfastly support him."