Those killed and jailed in communal violence are all from backward classes, CM Siddaramaiah expresses concern

Expressing dismay over the fact that those who lost lives and jailed in cases of communal violence in Mangaluru were all from backward classes, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah sought to know for how many more years such sinister ploys of sacrificing children of backward classes in the name of religion would be allowed.

Inaugurating the silver jubilee celebration of ‘Gadag Taluk Kurubara Sangha’ and State -level ‘Kanakotsava’ in Gadag on Saturday, Mr. Siddramaiah said that those who were benefiting from inequalities and caste exploitation were the persons who were opposed to changes in the societal system.

“These people don’t want children of backward classes to progress economically and educationally. So they are hatching conspiracies to ensure that the children of backward classes are sacrificed in the name of god and religion. Given the circumstances, we should not heed or fall prey to the ploys of vested interests that push our children into peril,” he said.

“’Education, organisation and agitation’ is the mantra given by B.R. Ambedkar to the exploited and backward classes. Following this mantra, the exploited classes should get education, organise themselves and fight for their rights and benefits,” Mr. Siddramaiah said.

The Chief Minister said that only through education and organisation equality could be achieved. “Education means getting progressive, scientific and inquisitive education. Most of the so called literates including doctors and engineers are following superstitions. Nowadays, many literate individuals have become more casteist, thereby hindering society’s progress,” he said.

The Chief Minister said that brotherhood, equality and tolerance were the paramount values given by the Constitution and these values were the great strength for the backward classes.

“We have invited Booker awardee writer and pride of Karnataka Banu Mushtaq to inaugurate Dasara celebrations. However a two-time MP stooped to the level approaching court opposing the invitation. But the Supreme Court has upheld the values of the Constitution of India,” he said.

Listing out the various measures taken by the State government, Mr. Siddaramaiah said that because of the guarantee schemes, the per capita income of the people of Karnataka had increased resulting in the State reaching the top spot at the national-level. It was also evident that Karnataka’s fiscal health was strong, he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah appealed to the people to actively participate in the socio-economic and educational survey, and also mention their caste as ‘Kuruba’, if they fall under the same, in the caste column. The Chief Minister released a felicitation volume of Fakirappa Hebasur on the occasion.

Minister for Law, Justice, Human Rights, Parliamentary Affairs, Legislation and Tourism H.K. Patil, recalled the fight by the leaders of Kuruba community in Gadag district in safeguarding the interests of the farmers. Former Minister H.M. Revanna spoke, Chief Whip of Karnataka Legislative Council Saleem Ahmed, Raghavendra Hitnal, G.S. Patil, MLAs, and community leaders were present.