After BJP backlash, Siddaramaiah says war with Pak ‘only if inevitable’

Amid the Pakistan media playing up his “no need for war” remarks over the Pahalgam terror attack and facing backlash from the BJP at the Centre and in Karnataka, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday said he had been misunderstood.

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“No need for war means — if inevitable, there should be war. War cannot always be the solution. I did not say no to demands for war,” Siddaramaiah told mediapersons.

When asked about Pakistani media amplifying his statement, he said, “I did not oppose a war with Pakistan. What I said is that war is not a solution. Security should have been provided, especially since many tourists visit Kashmir. Providing security is the Central Government’s responsibility. I said there was a failure.”

Earlier, Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said, “The entire world is condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. However, it has become a habit for Congress leaders to speak lightly about the country without understanding the real situation.”

Joshi added that most countries are urging India to deliver a strong response to terrorism. “Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s statement — suggesting that instead of punishing terrorists, we should only strengthen security — is condemnable,” he said.

Siddaramaiah, speaking on Saturday, had said there was no need for war with Pakistan, but stressed that the Central Government must bolster the security apparatus.

“There is no need for war. Stringent measures should be taken. The security system needs to be tightened. We are not in favour of war. There should be peace, people should have security, and the Central Government should take security measures,” he had said.

Notably, Pakistani media widely reported Siddaramaiah’s remarks, highlighting that voices within India were opposing calls for war.