Daijiworld Media Network - Mysuru
Mysuru, Apr 26: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday sharply criticised the Sangh Parivar, saying they "never participated in the freedom struggle, yet today they talk about patriotism."
Speaking at a special lecture during the Yuva Kranti training camp organised by the Youth Congress, Siddaramaiah stressed the importance of ideological clarity among party workers, especially regarding the contributions of Congress leaders and the opposition of Sangh icons like Veer Savarkar and M.S. Golwalkar to the Constitution drafted by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
He asserted that the Congress made significant sacrifices during the freedom movement and played a crucial role in building modern India, saying, "The Congress was founded to ensure civil rights and social justice for the people of India."
Taking a dig at the BJP, the Chief Minister said, "The Sangh Parivar never joined the freedom struggle but now gives us lectures on patriotism."
Highlighting Congress' legacy, Siddaramaiah credited Mahatma Gandhi with leading the freedom movement and Jawaharlal Nehru for laying the foundation for Ambedkar’s Constitution, promoting unity and tolerance in India's diverse society.
Siddaramaiah pointed out the deep societal divisions caused by the caste system inspired by the Manusmriti and emphasised that young Congress members must understand these historical realities to build a strong future.
"Freedom, equality, fraternity, tolerance, and coexistence are the very soul of our Constitution and of India," he said, quoting Ambedkar's belief that "power should not remain with a privileged few but must empower the common man."
He accused the BJP of opposing the spirit of the Constitution by "handing over opportunities and power to the privileged few," while asserting that Congress works to empower ordinary citizens.
The Chief Minister also highlighted his government’s initiatives aimed at reducing inequality and promoting the welfare of the marginalised, in line with the principles of Sarvodaya.
Warning against superstition and manipulation in the name of religion, Siddaramaiah said, "God does not discriminate. Beware of those who sow superstition in the name of God." He invoked Basavanna’s vision of God as a model for true faith.
Further, he alleged that the BJP’s lies and misuse of religion threaten India's social fabric and urged the Youth Congress to raise public awareness against it.
Citing history, Siddaramaiah noted that Ambedkar had blamed Savarkar and Dhangekar for his electoral defeat. He also recalled that BJP leader Rama Jois had opposed Rajiv Gandhi’s reservation policy in court, although it was upheld as constitutional. Similarly, he pointed out that the BJP had opposed the Mandal Commission’s recommendations.
Siddaramaiah concluded by encouraging Youth Congress workers to develop a clear understanding of history and constitutional values to become strong future leaders. He called for similar training workshops to be conducted across all districts in Karnataka.