Following the incident of pro-Pakistan slogans being raised outside the assembly house in response to Naseer Hussain’s victory in the Rajya Sabha polls, Congress leader BK Hariprasad of Karnataka’s legislative council addressed the issue on Wednesday, February 28th. In response to the state BJP unit’s accusations, Hariprasad reiterated that Pakistan is considered an enemy country solely by the Bharatiya Janata Party, emphasizing that for the Congress, Pakistan remains a neighboring nation. The BJP promptly condemned Hariprasad’s statement, labeling it an incitement to anti-national sentiments.
During discussions within the state’s legislative council, BK Hariprasad addressed allegations made by the state BJP unit regarding the chanting of ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogans by Congress supporters outside the assembly house during the celebration of Naseer Hussain’s victory in the Rajya Sabha elections. Hariprasad rebutted these claims by highlighting a divergence in perspectives between the Congress and the BJP regarding Pakistan’s status, thereby undermining its own dignity by portraying itself as anti-national. Hariprasad attempted to steer the discussion by referencing LK Advani’s visit to Jinnah’s mausoleum in Lahore.
The Karnataka Congress government’s recent actions and statements have been perceived as foolish and disruptive, particularly due to their perceived anti-national undertones. Such rhetoric is increasingly disturbing the mindset of people across Bharat. BJP Karnataka has expressed concern, stating, “Merely uttering words falls short when considering the mindset of Congress members who, besides supporting individuals chanting slogans like ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ in the Vidhan Sabha, refuse to acknowledge Pakistan as an enemy nation despite its history of declaring war on India four times. The prevalence of anti-national sentiments, exemplified by BK Hariprasad, is evident across all echelons of the Congress.”
Based on the reports of Opindia, Karnataka’s Deputy LoP and BJP leader, Arvind Bellad strongly condemned Hariprasad’s statement, expressing deep disappointment and labeling it as “extremely sad.” Bellad criticized the Congress, highlighting what he perceives as the party’s willingness to prioritize appeasing minorities and Muslims for electoral gains, even at the expense of national interests.
Earlier in the week, the BJP and Hindu activists staged a protest within the Karnataka Legislative Assembly premises, alleging that supporters of Congress leader Syed Naseer Hussain, following his successful election to the Rajya Sabha, had raised pro-Pakistan slogans. The BJP accused the ruling Congress of shielding those involved. In response, Congress refuted the allegations, asserting that their members were merely chanting “Naseer Saab Zindabad” to celebrate Naseer Hussain’s victory, and not expressing any allegiance to Pakistan.
The recent statements made by Karnataka Congress leader DK Suresh advocating for an independent nation in Bharat’s south and also the Congress party have witnessed significant shifts in their stance regarding the ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ slogan incident. Initially, there were conflicting statements from party members, but ultimately, the Congress seems to be leaning towards its already supportive position regarding Pakistan.
