Bengaluru, Apr 28 (UNI) Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday held the BJP-led Central Government responsible for a "serious security lapse" following the killing of innocent civilians, including three from Karnataka, in the terror attack in Pahalgam of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at a conference organised by the AICC against the Centre’s price hikes and anti-people policies, Siddaramaiah questioned, "When Indians are murdered in Kashmir, is it wrong to question the government’s failure to protect its citizens? If we do, will you disrupt our programmes?"

The senior Congress leader launched a direct warning to BJP activists who allegedly disrupted a Congress event, asserting that the party would not bow down to "blatant threats" from the BJP-RSS combine. "I have the strength to confront all of you publicly, and do so our workers," he said.

Accusing the Centre of betraying the people, Siddaramaiah charged that in the last decade it had only "increased prices, divided Indian society, and made life miserable for the common man."

The Chief Minister attacked the Sangh Parivar for its "absence" during the freedom struggle and asked, "When Indians sacrificed their lives, what were you doing?"

Referring to those who disrupted the event, he questioned their patriotism and pointed out that the RSS did not hoist the national flag at its headquarters for decades after Independence.

Criticising Modi Government’s economic policies, he said taxes on the rich were reduced while burdens on the poor and middle class increased. "Should we not question this anti-poor governance?" Siddaramaiah asked.

Highlighting Karnataka’s welfare measures, he said milk prices were raised by Rs 4 solely to benefit farmers, and that bus fares, water and electricity charges remained lower than in neighbouring states.

Accusing the BJP of raising prices of essentials despite low global crude rates, the senior Congress leader concluded, "We have the strength to give you a befitting reply, and we will."

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