Did CM Siddaramaiah Mean to Say Indians Prefer Peace?

Belagavi (Karnataka), April 28 (NationPress) Karnataka Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, H.K. Patil, on Monday came to the defense of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's statement regarding 'no war with Pakistan' by emphasizing that the Chief Minister was simply trying to express that Indians are inherently peace-loving individuals.

During a press conference in Belagavi, Minister Patil remarked, 'The essence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement was to indicate that Indians value peace. However, if our nation faces threats and conflict becomes necessary for our safety, we must ensure that our adversaries learn a lesson.'

He went on to say, 'Historically, we have embraced peace. We do not interfere with others without reason. But when provoked, the nation’s stance — that we will not tolerate aggression — will be a shared sentiment.'

In response to the BJP’s criticisms of CM Siddaramaiah’s remarks, Minister Patil asserted that these matters should not be politicized or debated. 'The Prime Minister should convene meetings to address national concerns,' he added.

'We will not elaborate on this issue further,' he concluded.

When questioned about the viral spread of CM Siddaramaiah’s statement in Pakistan, Minister Patil reiterated that the Chief Minister's intent was solely to communicate that Indians are peace-loving.

CM Siddaramaiah made his comments in light of the possibility of India engaging in conflict with Pakistan following a recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives.

While addressing reporters in Mysuru, CM Siddaramaiah stated, 'There is no need for war with Pakistan. We must implement stringent security protocols. We do not advocate for war. Peace is essential, and the safety of citizens must be prioritized, along with effective security measures from the Central government.'

When asked about the Central government's acknowledgment of a security lapse in Pahalgam, the Chief Minister remarked, 'I have spoken candidly about the security oversight related to the Pahalgam terror incident. Proper security should have been in place. This area attracts many tourists. Previously, in Pulwama, 40 soldiers lost their lives. They should have exercised extreme caution.'

After facing backlash regarding his anti-war stance, CM Siddaramaiah clarified on Sunday that 'war should only be considered as a last resort.'

Responding to inquiries about his statement that 'war is unnecessary,' CM Siddaramaiah clarified in Bengaluru that military action should only be pursued when absolutely unavoidable.

'War cannot resolve our issues; it should only be contemplated when there are no alternatives left,' he stated.

He further emphasized, 'I have highlighted failures within the Central government's security apparatus. Twenty-six lives were lost in a terrorist act. Previously, in the Pulwama attack, 40 soldiers were killed. The Central government failed to provide adequate security.'