During a session in the Karnataka Legislative Council, BK Hariprasad, a prominent figure in the Karnataka Congress, ignited controversy by asserting that while Pakistan might be labeled an "enemy country" by the BJP, the Congress perceives it solely as a neighboring nation. This assertion triggered a sharp response from the state BJP, which accused the Congress of harboring sentiments deemed "anti-national."
Hariprasad's statement came as a response to BJP's allegations of pro-Pakistan slogans being raised following the Congress's victory in the Rajya Sabha elections in the state. In his address to the Legislative Council, Hariprasad articulated, "They refer to our association with a country they deem as an enemy. According to their narrative, Pakistan is categorized as such. However, for us, Pakistan is not deemed an adversary; rather, it's recognized as our neighboring nation." Hariprasad cited historical instances, including LK Advani's visit to Jinnah's mausoleum in Lahore, to underscore the complexities of India-Pakistan relations.
Responding to Hariprasad's assertions, the Karnataka BJP lambasted the Congress for its refusal to categorize Pakistan as an "enemy nation," particularly in light of Pakistan's history of waging war against India on multiple occasions. The BJP criticized the Congress for what it deemed as "anti-national sentiments."
An official statement from the Karnataka BJP's social media handle highlighted the ideological differences between the BJP and the Congress regarding the perception of Pakistan. It underscored the legacy of cordial relations between Jawaharlal Nehru and Mohammed Ali Jinnah, portraying the BJP's stance of considering Pakistan an enemy contrasted with the Congress's view of Pakistan as a neighbor.
The statement further condemned the alleged support extended by the Congress to individuals chanting pro-Pakistan slogans in the Vidhan Sabha. The BJP reiterated its accusations against the ruling Congress, asserting that the party was shielding those responsible for the slogans. However, the Congress maintained that the chants were in praise of Syed Naseer Hussain, celebrating his victory, and not an endorsement of Pakistan.
