Bengaluru: At a spirited address during the “Yuva Kranti” training camp organised by the Youth Congress, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a sharp attack on the Sangh Parivar and the BJP, accusing them of hypocrisy over patriotism.
“The Sangh Parivar never participated in the freedom struggle, yet today they lecture us about patriotism,” Siddaramaiah said, drawing strong applause from party workers. He reminded the gathering that figures revered by the BJP, such as Veer Savarkar and M.S. Golwalkar, had opposed the Constitution drafted under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s leadership.
Emphasising the Congress’s historic role, Siddaramaiah stated, “Our party has made sacrifices for India’s independence and for building a modern, pluralistic nation. The Congress was founded to fight for civil rights, social justice, and equality.”
Taking a dig at the opposition, he remarked that while Mahatma Gandhi led the freedom movement, it was Jawaharlal Nehru who firmly established democratic values and supported Ambedkar’s vision for the Constitution.
Warning the Youth Congress against misinformation campaigns, Siddaramaiah said, “You must be clear why we stand by the Constitution. Those who don’t understand the threat the RSS and Sangh Parivar pose to India’s pluralism won’t stay long in Congress.”
He stressed that ideals like freedom, equality, fraternity, and tolerance are the “soul of India’s Constitution.” Quoting Ambedkar, he added, “Power should belong to the common man, not a privileged few.”
Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of undermining these principles by handing over opportunities and power to elites, thus betraying Ambedkar’s vision. He also defended his government’s initiatives during both his terms, which aimed at empowering marginalised communities.
“True freedom comes when social and economic equality is achieved. Our policies are inspired by Sarvodaya — the upliftment of all,” he said.
Taking a swipe at rising superstition, Siddaramaiah warned against those exploiting religion for political gains. “God does not differentiate among people. Beware of those who use His name to divide us,” he said, invoking the teachings of Basavanna.
