Siddaramaiah Advises Citizens Against ‘Sanatanis’ and RSS, Emphasizes Social Reform

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday cautioned citizens to remain vigilant and avoid engagement with groups that have historically opposed BR Ambedkar and the Constitution he drafted. The Chief Minister specifically mentioned the RSS and the Sangh Parivar during his address at Mysore University’s Silver jubilee celebrations.

“Maintain your business and associate with those who stand for societal progress, not with those who resist social change or with ‘Sanatanis,’” Siddaramaiah said, emphasizing the importance of aligning with reformist values.

Government Initiative to Control Access to Public Spaces

The statement coincided with the Karnataka government’s measures to control access to public institutions such as colleges and schools, aimed at preventing unauthorized events. The directive follows a request by Priyank Kharge, the state’s Minister of Biotechnology and IT, last month to restrict RSS programs in public educational facilities.

Siddaramaiah clarified that the directive is a continuation of a 2013 circular issued under the previous BJP government and reissued by the Jagadish Shettar cabinet. He stated, “The RSS is not our target. This applies to all organizations. The decree was first issued in 2013. If Jagadish Shettar introduced this law, why didn’t the BJP object? Our police will act if peace and order are disrupted.”

Concerns Over Orthodox Elements in Society

During his speech at Mysore University, Siddaramaiah cautioned against aligning with groups he described as hostile to social reform, particularly mentioning the RSS and Sangh Parivar.

He recalled a recent incident in which a shoe was thrown at BR Gavai, the Chief Justice of India. “The fact that a ‘Sanatani’ threw a shoe at the Chief Justice shows that orthodox elements and ‘Sanatanis’ are still present. Everyone, not only Dalits, should condemn this act. Only then can we claim that society is changing,” he asserted.

Upholding Ambedkar’s Legacy

Siddaramaiah emphasized the importance of recognizing Ambedkar’s contributions to social reform. “Ambedkar acquired knowledge to understand society and applied it throughout his life to bring change,” he noted, highlighting the relevance of rational and scientific thinking in societal progress.

Addressing the spread of misinformation about Ambedkar’s political legacy, he stated, “Some are spreading myths that the congress defeated Ambedkar in the elections. However, Ambedkar himself wrote that Savarkar and Dange defeated him. Presenting these facts is essential to expose the Sangh Parivar’s false narratives.”

He concluded by urging citizens to embrace rationality and scientific thought. “Support critical thinking and avoid holding naive beliefs while claiming to study science,” Siddaramaiah said.