Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed profound dismay, highlighting that every individual killed or imprisoned in communal violence incidents in Mangaluru belonged to backward classes. He questioned how much longer such “sinister ploys” of sacrificing vulnerable youth in the name of religion would be permitted.
During the silver jubilee celebration of ‘Gadag Taluk Kurubara Sangha’ and the State-level ‘Kanakotsava’ in Gadag on Saturday, Mr. Siddaramaiah asserted that those who profit from societal inequalities and caste-based exploitation are precisely the ones resisting systemic change.
He further elaborated, “These groups do not wish for the economic and educational advancement of children from backward classes. They are actively conspiring to ensure these children are sacrificed in the name of God and religion. In such critical times, we must not fall prey to the machinations of vested interests that jeopardize our youth.”
Mr. Siddaramaiah reminded the audience of B.R. Ambedkar’s powerful mantra for exploited and backward classes: ‘Education, organization, and agitation.’ He urged these communities to embrace education, unite, and actively fight for their rights and deserved benefits.
The Chief Minister emphasized that true equality is attainable solely through education and collective organization. He clarified that “education” implies a progressive, scientific, and inquisitive approach to learning. Disturbingly, he observed that many supposedly educated individuals, including doctors and engineers, still adhere to superstitions and have become more entrenched in casteism, severely impeding societal progress.
He reiterated that the Constitution enshrines brotherhood, equality, and tolerance as supreme values, which serve as immense strengths for the backward classes.
Mr. Siddaramaiah also recounted an incident where a two-time Member of Parliament challenged the invitation of Booker awardee writer Banu Mushtaq, a pride of Karnataka, to inaugurate the Dasara celebrations. He noted with approval that the Supreme Court ultimately upheld the constitutional values, allowing her to proceed.
Detailing his government’s initiatives, Mr. Siddaramaiah highlighted that various guarantee schemes have significantly boosted Karnataka’s per capita income, propelling the state to the top position nationally. He further affirmed the state’s robust fiscal health.
The Chief Minister urged citizens to actively participate in the ongoing socio-economic and educational survey, specifically requesting individuals who identify as ‘Kuruba’ to accurately record their caste. He also took the opportunity to release a felicitation volume dedicated to Fakirappa Hebasur.
H.K. Patil, the Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation, and Tourism, reflected on the significant efforts by Kuruba community leaders in Gadag district to protect farmers’ interests. The event also saw addresses from former Minister H.M. Revanna and the presence of Chief Whip of Karnataka Legislative Council Saleem Ahmed, MLAs Raghavendra Hitnal and G.S. Patil, alongside other prominent community leaders.