Overview

• Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified his earlier statement, asserting that war with Pakistan should only occur if unavoidable and not as a first response.
• The CM criticized the central government for intelligence and security lapses leading to the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians, including two from Karnataka.
• The BJP accused Siddaramaiah of minority appeasement and demanded an apology, with leaders like R. Ashoka and B.Y. Vijayendra issuing sharp rebukes.
• Pakistani media amplified Siddaramaiah’s initial remarks, portraying them as dissent within India against calls for military action.
• Siddaramaiah reiterated his stance on enhancing security measures over immediate military action, stressing the need for accountability to prevent future attacks.