Bengaluru: Congress has distanced itself from Karnataka Chief Minister and senior party leader Siddaramaiah’s "not in favour of war with Pakistan" remark, which drew sharp criticism from BJP and was highlighted by Pakistani media as "voices against war from within India".

Defending his comments, Siddaramaiah said "I never said we should never go to war with Pakistan, I just said war is not the solution.”

He went on to point out intelligence failure and held the Centre responsible for the lapse.

“Protection should have been given to the tourists. Whose responsibility is this? I have said there has been a failure," the Congress leader said. He added, "There is a failure of intelligence. The government of India didn't provide ample security. As far as war is concerned, if it's inevitable, we must go to war."

However, Siddaramaiah’s remarks were dismissed by his party colleagues.

Congress leader HR Srinath said it is a "personal statement" and does not represent the party's stand.

"This is a personal statement by Siddaramaiah not that of the Congress party. All I want to say is that if you want to make such personal statements, you can resign from the party and the position of Chief Minister and go ahead. Rahul Gandhi and others have appealed for unity. Instead of following them, making personal comments is very wrong," he said.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar refused to comment on Siddaramaiah's comments.

"Congress Party has taken a stand against the terror strike. I don't want to comment on what the CM said. You have to ask him about it," he said.

Reacting to the Pahalgam attack that claimed the lives of 26 tourists, mostly Hindus, Siddaramaiah said on Saturday, "Strict security measures must be initiated. We are not in favour of waging war. There should be peace, people must feel secure, and the central government should ensure effective security arrangements.”

Pakistani media, including major outlet Geo News, reported on the remarks made by the Karnataka Chief Minister, labelling them as "voices against war from within India."

Karnataka BJP president BY Vijayendra shared a clip from a Geo News bulletin on X, writing, "Big cheers for Wazar-e-Ala @siddaramaiah from far across the Borders! Pakistani media is all too praise for @siddaramaiah & visibly disappointed at the backlash he is receiving from BJP & others, for his comments against war with Pakistan."

Drawing a parallel with India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, Vijayendra added, "Nehru was taken around in an open Jeep around the streets of Rawalpindi, as Pakistan was too happy with Nehru for signing the Indus Water Treaty that favoured Pakistan. Is Siddaramaiah going to be the next politician from India to be taken around in open Jeep in Pakistan?"

Siddaramaiah's remarks also attracted criticism from former Karnataka Chief Minister and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa, who said, "At a time when we need to stand united, Siddaramaiah's statements are highly condemnable and childish. He should understand the reality and not make such comments when the nation is standing together. It doesn't fare well for his position as Chief Minister. I condemn this. He should apologise to the people of the country and mend his ways."

R Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, also attacked Mr Siddaramaiah, calling him "Pakistan Ratna." "Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, you have become world famous in Pakistan overnight due to your childish and absurd statements," he said.

The April 22 terror attack at Baisaran valley in Pahalgam claimed the lives of 25 tourists and a Kashmiri pony ride operator. The brutal nature of the strike has triggered widespread demands for decisive action against Pakistan, which has long been accused of sponsoring terrorism in India.

In response, India has initiated several measures, including the suspension of the Indus Water Treaty and visa services for Pakistani nationals. Pakistan, on its part, has also threatened to suspend all bilateral agreements.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowed to hunt down and punish every terrorist and their supporters. "From Kargil to Kanyakumari, there is grief and rage. This attack was not just on innocent tourists; the country's enemies have shown the audacity to attack India's soul," he said, promising that those responsible would face "a punishment they cannot imagine."

Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi assured the government of the Opposition's full backing for any action it decides to take.