Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday strongly advised the public to remain vigilant against individuals he termed ‘sanatanis’ and the ideological parent of the BJP, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates, the Sangh Parivar.
Speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of Mysore University’s Ambedkar Study Centre and the inauguration of the new Jnana Darshana building, the Chief Minister urged citizens to align with “progressive and rational forces,” stating, “Keep your company right. Associate with those who stand for society, not with those who oppose social change or with ‘sanatanis’.”
Allegation of Opposition to Ambedkar and Constitution
Siddaramaiah launched a sharp attack, accusing the RSS and Sangh Parivar of having historically opposed B.R. Ambedkar and the Constitution drafted under his leadership, and continuing to challenge its values.
“They are spreading lies that the Congress defeated Ambedkar in the elections,” Siddaramaiah alleged. “But the truth is what Ambedkar himself wrote in his own handwriting – ‘Savarkar and Dange defeated me.’ Such truths must be placed before society to expose the falsehoods of the Sangh Parivar.”
Shoe Hurling at CJI Cited as Evidence of Orthodoxy
The Chief Minister linked his caution to a recent incident where a shoe was reportedly hurled at Chief Justice of India (CJI) B.R. Gavai. He termed the act a reflection of deep-rooted orthodoxy.
“The fact that a ‘sanatani’ threw a shoe at the Chief Justice shows that ‘sanatanis’ and orthodox elements still exist in society,” he stated, condemning the act and stressing that it should be opposed not just by Dalits but by all of society for meaningful change.
Promoting Ambedkar’s Legacy and Rationality
Hailing Ambedkar as a visionary who used knowledge for social reform, the CM highlighted his government’s efforts to propagate his ideals, including the establishment of the Ambedkar School of Economics.
Siddaramaiah stressed that education should not be a privilege. “Unequal opportunities have created inequality. Education is not anyone’s ancestral property. What people need is opportunity,” he said.
He concluded his address by urging citizens to reject blind belief and embrace rationality. “I hope rationality and scientific thinking will grow. Don’t be a person who studies science but still practices blind beliefs,” he said, drawing inspiration from the thoughts of Buddha, Basava, and Ambedkar.