BENGALURU, 29 APRIL 

Former prime minister HD Deve Gowda on Tuesday expressed full support for any action the Central Government may take under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. The JD(S) leader said politics should not be involved in such matters, calling instead for national unity.

Gowda said, ‘For the first time, terrorists have carried out such a brutal attack on tourists. The government has intelligence suggesting Pakistan’s involvement. The entire nation stands united behind the Prime Minister’s decisions.’

He added that as a Rajya Sabha member and President of JD(S), along with his party colleagues—Minister HD Kumaraswamy and MP Mallesh Babu—they back all decisions by the Centre.

India has increased pressure on Pakistan after the 22 April, attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead.

When asked if he had spoken to the Prime Minister, Gowda said he had not, but would send his views in writing if needed. On the possibility of war, he deferred to the Modi’s judgement, adding that international leaders, including Donald Trump, had condemned the attack.

He also acknowledged Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement supporting the government.