Should CM Siddaramaiah Apologize for His Remarks on Pakistan?

Synopsis
B.S. Yediyurappa criticizes CM Siddaramaiah for his comments on not engaging in war with Pakistan, labeling it as childish and demanding an apology. This article explores the implications of such statements on national unity and the ongoing discussions around caste census in Karnataka.
Key Takeaways
- Yediyurappa demands an apology from CM Siddaramaiah for his comments on Pakistan.
- Vijayendra highlights the need for accountability in caste census discussions.
- Public sentiment regarding national security is crucial for leaders to consider.
- The importance of unity during critical times cannot be overstated.
- Concerns have been raised regarding the validity of caste census data.
Bengaluru, April 27 (NationPress) BJP Central Parliamentary Committee Member and former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa criticized CM Siddaramaiah on Sunday for his statement about 'no war with Pakistan,' calling it a 'childish' remark that warrants an apology to the nation. During a press conference in Bengaluru, Yediyurappa stated, 'At this critical time, the country needs to unite... issuing such statements does not elevate the dignity of the Chief Minister's role... I denounce his comments, and CM Siddaramaiah should apologize to the nation while also reflecting on his future conduct.'
BJP state President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra, who is also Yediyurappa’s son, remarked that the citizens of Karnataka understand CM Siddaramaiah's inclination towards minorities. He asserted, 'People are aware of how far CM Siddaramaiah will go regarding minority issues. Yet, when it comes to national interests, every self-respecting Indian has condemned the terrorist attacks and killings in Kashmir. Historically, India has never initiated war, but when it is about safeguarding its citizens, the Prime Minister consults all Chief Ministers before making decisions.'
Vijayendra strongly opposed CM Siddaramaiah’s assertion against war with Pakistan, labeling it as entirely erroneous and an 'unpardonable crime.' Referring to Yediyurappa's comments, he insisted that Siddaramaiah owes an apology to the people of India, noting that no one expected such a statement from him.
When queried about the caste census, Vijayendra stated that CM Siddaramaiah had convened numerous meetings but failed to reach a final decision despite a special cabinet meeting being held recently, demanding accountability for this delay.
He also noted that even former Chief Minister and senior Congress figure Veerappa Moily characterized the caste census data as nearly a decade old and scientifically unvalidated. He pointed out that various backward communities, including Ediga and Madivala, have raised serious objections regarding the data.
The BJP leader expressed concerns about the integrity of the statistics and questioned Siddaramaiah's haste in this matter.