The Karnataka government has continued its attack on BJP’s ideological parent, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has asked people to be cautious of those associating themselves with “sanatanis”. Amid a rising concern in the southern state over RSS’ activities, the CM claimed that RSS has historically opposed Dr. BR Ambedkar and the Constitution drafted under his leadership.
He urged citizens to work for social change as a whole and must not fall from “orthodox” or “santani” people. “Keep your company right. Associate with those who stand for society, not with those who oppose social change or with ‘sanatanis’,” he added, as per news agency PTI, while speaking at the silver jubilee celebrations of Mysore University’s Ambedkar Study Centre and the inauguration of the new Jnana Darshana building.
Recalling the incident where a lawyer hurled a show at Chief Justice of India (CJI) BR Gavai, Siddaramaiah said, “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.”
However, Siddaramaiah later clarified and said that he only targeted the RSS’s ideology and not Hinduism. He stressed that true Sanatana Dharma backs equality, whereas the RSS distorts it for political gain.
Ambedkar opposed Savarkar – says Karnataka CM
Upping his criticism of the RSS, the Chief Minister said that RSS has always been against BR Ambedkar’s vision and the Constitution. “They are spreading lies that the Congress defeated Ambedkar in the elections,” he said, reported Hindustan Times.
But the truth, he added 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,” the Chief Minister added.
He said Ambedkar used knowledge to transform the society by understanding it. Stating that his government walks on the path laid by Dr. Ambedkar, the CM said, “I established the Ambedkar School of Economics 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 remark came days after Karnataka Minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge objected to the RSS programs in government-run premises across the state. He wrote to the Chief Secretary on October 4 that permission should not be granted for RSS programs on government school and college grounds. He further appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that such activities be disallowed in public parks and Muzrai (endowment) temples.