Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has cautioned citizens against associating with ‘sanatanis’ and urged vigilance against the ideological influence of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Sangh Parivar. He highlighted the historical opposition of these groups to BR Ambedkar and the Constitution, emphasizing the need for society to align with progressive and rational forces.
The chief minister referenced a recent incident in which a shoe was hurled at the Chief Justice of India, describing it as a reflection of the deep-rooted orthodoxy that persists in society. He stressed that such acts should be condemned universally to ensure social progress.
Siddaramaiah clarified that the proposal to include the Kuruba community in the Scheduled Tribes list had originated during the previous BJP government led by Basavaraj Bommai. He accused the Sangh Parivar of spreading false narratives about Ambedkar and noted that Ambedkar himself had documented that leaders like Savarkar and Dange were responsible for defeating him in elections.
Highlighting his government’s efforts to preserve Ambedkar’s legacy, Siddaramaiah pointed to the establishment of the Ambedkar School of Economics, designed to promote study and understanding of Ambedkar’s vision. He also inaugurated the Vishwa Jnani Ambedkar Sabha Bhavana at Mysore University during the silver jubilee celebrations of its Ambedkar Study Centre, calling it an important step toward promoting equality through education.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that education should be accessible to all and not treated as a privilege, pointing out that opportunity enables people to become scholars and intellectuals. He also underscored the importance of rationality and scientific thinking in social progress, drawing inspiration from the thoughts of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar. He reaffirmed Ambedkar’s role in shaping India’s Constitution, describing it as one of the most suitable frameworks for the country’s diverse society.
