Karnataka Congress legislator’s love for Pakistan, morally irresponsible

| Updated: 01 March, 2024 6:37 pm IST
TNI Illustration by Aditya Singh

The recent statement by Congress MLA BK Hariprasad that Pakistan is not an enemy country for his party, but only for the BJP, is not only factually incorrect but also morally irresponsible and misguided. Hariprasad has shown a complete disregard for the history and reality of India-Pakistan relations, which have been marred by four wars, countless terrorist attacks, and a persistent dispute over Kashmir. He has also insulted the sentiments of millions of Indians who have suffered and sacrificed for the cause of national security and sovereignty.

Hariprasad’s attempt to justify his statement by citing the examples of LK Advani’s visit to Jinnah’s mausoleum and Narendra Modi’s visit to Nawaz Sharif’s granddaughter’s wedding is flawed and misleading. Indian leaders tried diplomacy to improve the bilateral ties and reduce the tensions between the two countries. However, these diplomatic visits did not make any difference in Pakistan’s approach and foreign policy towards India. After 70 years, the democratically elected government headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew a red line after the Uri terror attack.

Hariprasad’s statement is not only an affront to the Modi government but also to the entire nation and its democratic institutions which have authorised the government to take tough calls on matters of national security. It is an insult to the armed forces, the intelligence agencies, the judiciary, and the parliament, which have all played a vital role in safeguarding the country from Pakistan’s threats and provocations. It is an offence to the victims and survivors of the numerous terrorist attacks orchestrated by Pakistan-based groups, such as the 2001 Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the 2016 Uri attack, and the 2019 Pulwama attack. It is a mockery of the public opinion and sentiment, which have consistently expressed their support and solidarity for the government’s actions and policies against Pakistan.

Hariprasad’s statement is not only way off the mark, but also way out of line. He should retract his statement and apologize to the nation for his irresponsible and misguided remarks. He should also refrain from making such divisive and inflammatory statements in the future, which only serve to undermine national unity and interest. He should remember that Pakistan is not a friend or a neighbour, but a foe and an adversary, for every Indian, regardless of their party affiliation or ideology.

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