Former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda on Tuesday complimented All India Congress Committee (AICC) president M. Mallikarjun Kharge for emphasising the need to demonstrate national unity to deal with the situation arising out of the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Jammu Kashmir recently.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Mr. Gowda said Mr. Kharge was an “experienced” leader and his response to the tragic attack on tourists at Pahalgam was “mature”. He also pointed out that leaders of the INDIA bloc had also resolved to help the efforts to identify the perpetrators of the terrorist act and punish them.

When reporters sought his reaction on the incident in Belagavi involving Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday, Mr. Gowda said he would not like to comment on politicians of Karnataka, including the Chief Minister or the Deputy Chief Minister.

He said he had discussed with Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy earlier in the day on strengthening their regional party, which was now in alliance with the BJP. Mr. Gowda reiterated that he would like to tour the State and strengthen the hands of Mr. Kumaraswamy to rebuild the party.