What's wrong in being concerned for civilians, says Congress on Azad
New Delhi, June 22: The Congress on Friday defended its leader Ghulam Nabi Azad over his remarks on Kashmir which drew fire from the BJP, saying he only expressed concern over increasing civilian deaths and there was nothing wrong in it.
Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said: "The entire country stands by the armed forces. Azad Saab also repeated this. Restricting civilian casualties to a minimum during military operations is a concern for everybody. What's wrong in it?"
"Terrorists and Maoists should be gunned down, but innocents should not be made the target," he added, asking "Has it become anti-national to express concern for innocent civilians?"
The BJP on Friday attacked the former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister for his "irresponsible, shameful and deeply regrettable" statement about "the Indian Army killing more civilians rather than terrorists" during military operations in the state, and demanded action against him.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Former minister C M Ibrahim announces to launch new regional party for Karnataka
Kalaburagi: Two years after being expelled from the Janata Dal (Secular), former minister C.M. Ibrahim has announced that he will launch a new regional political party in Karnataka on January 24, reported Deccan Herald.
Speaking at a meeting organised by the Nava Karnataka Nirmana Andolana in Kalaburagi on Sunday, Ibrahim confirmed the birth of the new party.
The 77-year-old politician stated he would soon be meeting with other like-minded individuals to choose a symbol for the party.
ALSO READ: Veteran Congress leader Shamanuru Shivashankarappa laid to rest with full state honours
Ibrahim emphasised that the organisation would be guided by the principles of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna and the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
A veteran politician, Ibrahim served as Union Civil Aviation Minister during the tenure of H.D. Deve Gowda as Prime Minister and later headed the Karnataka unit of the Janata Dal (Secular). He was expelled from the JD(S) in 2023 on charges of anti-party activities.
His exit from the party followed sharp differences over the JD(S) decision to ally with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the then state president of the JD(S), Ibrahim had publicly criticised the alliance, claiming it was finalised without his knowledge. He had also reportedly convened meetings of his supporters and expressed support for the INDIA bloc.
