Belagavi (Karnataka), Dec 26: A controversy has erupted over the alleged misrepresentation of the Indian map on posters displayed by the Congress party in Belagavi to commemorate the centenary of the 1924 Congress session. The BJP has accused the Congress of engaging in “vote bank” politics over the issue.
The Congress has put up posters across Belagavi town as part of celebrations for the centenary event. However, the BJP and its ally JD(S) have pointed out that the Indian map depicted on the posters omits the Gilgit region of Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir and Aksai Chin, areas currently under Chinese administration, which they claim are integral parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, also the Congress Karnataka unit president, responded to the controversy, saying the posters would be removed if any mistake was found. “Some leaders might have made some mistake, we are removing everything,” he said, urging the opposition not to make a fuss over a small issue.
The national unit of the BJP strongly criticized the Congress, posting on ‘X’ that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s stance was seen as supportive of China and Pakistan, accusing the party of attempting to break the nation. The BJP Karnataka unit accused the Congress of disrespecting India’s sovereignty by displaying the distorted map to appease a “vote bank,” calling it “shameful.”
BJP’s Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal called for legal action, suggesting that the publication of an incorrect map was a violation under the National Honour Act and IPC Section 74. He demanded that a case be registered against the organisers.
The JD(S) also joined the criticism, calling the omission of Kashmir from the map a “criminal act,” and holding Shivakumar responsible. The party accused Congress of playing politics of appeasement to garner votes at the cost of national integrity.
The controversy continues to stir political debate in the state, with the BJP and JD(S) urging swift action against the Congress for its alleged misrepresentation of the Indian map.
