A political controversy has erupted in Belagavi, over the alleged misrepresentation of India’s map on posters displayed during the Congress party’s centenary celebrations of the 1924 Congress session. The BJP and JD(S) have accused the Congress of omitting the Gilgit region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) and the Aksai Chin region, currently under Chinese administration, which are integral parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
The ruling Congress erected these posters across Belagavi for the historic commemoration. However, BJP and JD(S) leaders swiftly condemned the move, calling it a blatant disregard for India’s territorial integrity.
Reacting to the controversy, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state unit president DK Shivakumar addressed the media, promising corrective action. “If there is any mistake, the posters will be removed. Some leaders might have made an error. We are following the traditions and values of those days. BJP is only trying to attack us because they cannot digest our success. There’s no cure for jealousy,” Shivakumar said in Belagavi.
The BJP’s national unit lambasted the Congress, accusing it of pandering to its vote bank at the cost of India’s sovereignty. The BJP Karnataka unit also weighed in, labeling the “incorrect map” as a deliberate act of disrespect.
“@INCKarnataka has shown utter disrespect for India’s sovereignty by displaying a distorted map at their Belagavi event, portraying Kashmir as part of Pakistan. All this just to appease their vote bank. This is shameful!” the BJP posted on ‘X’.
BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal from Vijayapura demanded strict action, urging the police to file a case against the event organizers for displaying the controversial map.
As tensions escalate, the issue has added to the already charged political atmosphere in Karnataka, with accusations flying thick and fast between the rival parties.
It is difficult to believe that none of the Congress leaders noticed the grave error committed in displaying INDIA’s map in the posters put up all over the city of Belagavi. The organisers of this event must take the responsibility of this unpardonable error and apologize the nation. It is an insult to India’s sovereignty and should not be taken lightly culprits must be punished as per the provisions in the law.