New Delhi: A political storm erupted in Karnataka's Belagavi after Congress banners displayed a distorted map of India, with parts of Jammu and Kashmir omitted, media reports said.

The incident, which occurred during a Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting commemorating the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi presiding over the Belgaum session, provoked sharp criticism from the BJP, which labelled the act "shameful" and accused Congress of being aligned with controversial US investor George Soros to destabilise the nation.

"@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!" tweeted the Karnataka BJP unit, reported India Today.

The BJP demanded Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remove the banners and take stringent action against those responsible.

In a scathing statement, BJP said, "The banners put up in Belgaum are proof that the Congress is 'ready' to do any kind of dirty work for personal selfish gain and politics of appeasement. Chief Minister @siddaramaiah, immediately remove these controversial banners and take action against the traitors who distorted the map of India."

Addressing the issue at a press conference, BJP leader Sudhanshu Trivedi described the display as "alarming and unfortunate," alleging Congress leaders were undermining India's unity and integrity.

Trivedi also questioned whether anti-India forces like Soros were influencing the party, stating, "This isn't an isolated incident, as they've done similar cheap things in the past."

The BJP has repeatedly accused Congress of collaborating with Soros, a vocal critic of Prime Minister Modi's government, to undermine India's democratic foundations.

"We would like to ask Congress why parts of India are being shown cut off several times in your tweets. Is this just a coincidence or is it part of an anti-India conspiracy?" Trivedi questioned, according to the report.

He further emphasised the gravity of the situation, saying, "India has always stood strong against anti-India forces, but it's alarming and unfortunate to see Congress leaders violating the oath they took to protect the unity and integrity of India. The issue goes beyond just being a matter of maps. It's a threat to India's very identity."