We need to be vigilant against vested interests dividing society on communal lines, says Karnataka CM

“All of us need to be vigilant enough to see that we do not fall prey to the designs of vested interests that are trying to create divisions among us,” Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in Belagavi on December 16.

“There are systematic efforts by vested interests to create divisions in society on communal lines. But we need to be cautious about them. No religion teaches hatred and violence. Love and compassion are the core of all religions. What is more, our Constitution urges us to build a secular society. We need to realise this and act as per the spirit of the Constitution,’’ he said after visiting the Fatima Cathedral in the Camp area in Belagavi.

“We live in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual society where people follow many faiths. There are people of many castes and religions in our country. There is a need for everyone to live in unity and harmony. We need to build a humane society based on love.

“Youth should adopt a scientific attitude and rational thinking. Our Constitution has laid great emphasis on building a secular society, and our education system should be supportive of it. Everyone should work together towards building a society that provides equal opportunities and advocates socialism,” he said.

The CM appreciated the contribution of the Christian community in the field of education, healthcare, and social service. He said that their efforts aligned with the constitutional vision of an inclusive and compassionate society.

He interacted with students, met priests and members of the diocese and cut a cake to celebrate the spirit of Christmas.

“Christmas is a festival of joy and brotherhood. All of us need to celebrate this together. It gives us the message of unity and harmony. We need to understand and empathise with people of other faiths. All of us need to need to work unitedly towards an equal society based on love and tolerance,’’ he said.

He urged young people to develop a spirit of inquiry, scientific temper and critical thinking.

Bishop Derek Fernandes, head of the diocese, said the government led by Mr. Siddaramaiah had introduced several programmes and schemes for welfare and development of deprived communities. He said that the State Government had consistently supported initiatives of the church and addressed its concerns across Karnataka.

Minister K. J. George, MLC Ivan D’Souza, MLA and CM’s legal advisor A. S. Ponnanna, MLAs Ashok Pattan, Mahantesh Koujalagi, Asif (Raju) Sait, former MLA Firose sait, Rev. Fr. Pramod Kumar, community leaders like Louis Rodrigues, and others were present.