‘Tell us clearly the reason for ceasefire’: Minister Santosh Lad criticises PM Modi

BENGALURU: Labour Minister Santosh Lad on Thursday lashed out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, demanding a “clear reason” must be given for reaching the understanding of a “ceasefire” between India and Pakistan.

“We don’t accept your (PM Modi’s) speech, just tell us clearly what was the reason for the ceasefire. Where are those who attacked our people in Pahalgam? PM must speak about it”, Lad told reporters here.

Questioning the Prime Minister, he cited the statements made by US President Donald Trump, where the latter has claimed that “ceasefire” happened because he brought up the issue of trade. The minister also questioned PM Modi over his silence on the presence of an American air base in Pakistan.

“Trump is saying time and again he has done it for trade, because of him ceasefire has been done. Trump has made the announcement and equated India and Pakistan are the same. Pakistan has an American airbase, they’re the terror hub, but the PM did not speak about it,” Lad said.

#WATCH | Bengaluru | On India-Pakistan tension, Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad says, “I feel that the Ministry of Defence or somebody official should come and address the fake news that are coming in… Government of India should take into consideration that wrong information… pic.twitter.com/exqcY8ex6u

— ANI (@ANI) May 9, 2025

He clarified that Congress was not blaming anyone and appreciated the efforts made by the armed forces at the time of the recent conflict.

“From the day when the attack happened on April 22 in Pahalgam, we know what’s happening. We are not blaming anyone; our armed forces are doing their best as usual. Some questions are being raised again: for every issue, we are saying PM is supreme,” Lad said.

The minister further questioned PM Modi for not addressing the nation or the media after he cut short his visit in Saudi Arabia, criticising him for holding an election rally in Bihar.

“PM came back from Saudi Arabia and didn’t address the press or anything. He directly went to Bihar for an election rally. He didn’t even attend the all-party meeting. What message is he giving?” Lad asked, adding, “11 years over, no press conference, only a recorded video sent, which is played every time.”

Highlighting the demand for a special parliament session, he pointed out that it was Trump who came and spoke about “ceasefire” before PM Modi. He reminded that former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee also faced such hurdles, but managed to respond appropriately.

“Indira Gandhi, Vajpayee also faced several situations but replied properly. PM must say on what basis the ceasefire was announced? That’s why Rahul Gandhi is asking why the parliament session needs to be called,” Lad said.

“Trump went one step ahead and said he will solve the Kashmir issue. Who gave him that courage? Why is PM not speaking about it now? I’m asking him to attend the session and answer”, he added. (ANI)