Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday urged the public to avoid the company of 'sanatanis' and to remain cautious of the RSS and Sangh Parivar, alleging that they have historically opposed BR Ambedkar and the Constitution he framed.
Speaking after inaugurating the silver jubilee celebrations of Mysore University and dedicating the new Jnana Darshana building, Siddaramaiah stated: "Keep your company right. Associate with those who stand for society, not with those who oppose social change or with ‘sanatanis’."
Siddaramaiah took reference of the recent incident in which a shoe was allegedly hurled at the Chief Justice of India, BR Gavai. "The fact that a 'sanatani' threw a shoe at the chief justice shows that 'sanatanis' and orthodox elements still exist in society. This act should be condemned not just by Dalits but by everyone. Only then can we say that society is moving on the path of change," he argued.
Siddaramaiah further alleged that the RSS and Sangh Parivar had opposed Ambedkar’s Constitution and continue to do so, urging people to remain vigilant.
Calling Ambedkar a visionary who harnessed knowledge for social transformation, the Chief Minister said: "Ambedkar acquired knowledge to understand society and used it throughout his life to change society."
He then accused the BJP and Sangh Parivar of spreading false propaganda in Ambedkar’s name. "They are spreading lies that the Congress defeated Ambedkar in the elections. 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."
Speaking about the Ambedkar School of Economics, Siddaramaiah stated: "I established it so that those who study Ambedkar may walk in his path. Ambedkar is matchless. Another Ambedkar will never be born, but everyone should follow his ideals and walk in his footsteps."
The Chief Minister praised Ambedkar’s national contribution, noting: "He studied and absorbed all the constitutions of the world and gave India the best Constitution suitable for its society." He concluded by expressing his belief in the thoughts of Buddha, Basava (a 12th-century social reformer), and Ambedkar, urging: "That is why I hope rationality and scientific thinking will grow. Don’t be a person who studies science but still practices blind beliefs."
He concluded by lauding the Mysore University’s Ambedkar Study Centre, which marked 25 years, and the inauguration of the 'Vishwa Jnani Ambedkar Sabha Bhavana,' calling it "a welcome step".
Also read: Murthys misunderstood caste survey: Siddaramaiah
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