Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, Karnataka Minister BZ Zameer Ahmed Khan made a fiery statement on Friday. Expressing his readiness to stand with the nation, the Congress leader declared he was even willing to go to Pakistan “wearing a suicide bomb” if needed.
Speaking at a press conference, Khan asserted his patriotism and commitment to the country’s security. “We are Indians, we are Hindustani, there’s no connection between us and Pakistan. If we need to go to war against them, I’m ready to fight,” said the Housing, Waqf, and Minority Affairs Minister, switching between Kannada and English.
— B Z Zameer Ahmed Khan (@BZZameerAhmedK) May 2, 2025
He added, “As a minister, if they send me, I will go to the front lines. If needed, I will wear a suicide bomb. I’m not joking or speaking impulsively. If the country needs me, let (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi and (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah give me a suicide bomb, I will wear and go to Pakistan.”
His impassioned remarks followed a wave of political reactions after his party colleague, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, faced criticism for his earlier statement opposing war. Siddaramaiah had questioned security lapses in Jammu and Kashmir post the Pahalgam attack, saying, “There is no necessity to wage a war against Pakistan. 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.”
Later, Siddaramaiah clarified that war should be the final option. “Only when every other means to defeat the enemy has failed, should a country be compelled to go to war… The central government has already initiated certain diplomatic steps, including revisiting the Indus Waters Treaty – a move we wholeheartedly welcome. We trust that even sterner actions are on the horizon. Not every move needs to be broadcast to the world; rest assured, the nation stands fully united behind every strong and decisive step taken.”
He further emphasized the global support India has received, saying, “At this crucial moment, nations across the world have come out in strong condemnation of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism, standing firmly with India. We must seize this unprecedented global support and teach Pakistan a lesson so profound that they dare not commit such reckless acts ever again.”
Siddaramaiah’s initial remarks were picked up by the Pakistani media and triggered a sharp response from the BJP, which accused the Congress of lacking a firm national stance.
Relations between India and Pakistan have deteriorated sharply since the Pahalgam incident. In response to what it termed as “cross-border linkages” to the attack, India has launched several punitive actions, including suspending the Indus Waters Treaty, closing the Attari land border crossing, and downgrading diplomatic relations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his recent ‘Mann ki Baat’ address, reaffirmed a tough stance. “The whole world stands with 140 crore Indians in our fight against terrorism. I once again assure the affected families that they will get justice, and justice will be done,” he said.
“The perpetrators and conspirators of this attack will be served with the harshest response,” he added.
