Bengaluru, Oct 31 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, asserted on Friday that M.K. Gandhi, along with other Congress leaders, was the true champion of India’s struggle for independence from British rule, rather than K.B. Hedgewar.

“The Congress was the only party that actively participated in the fight for India’s freedom. The RSS was established in 1925, during the height of the freedom struggle. However, K.B. Hedgewar, its founder, never urged his followers to engage in the independence movement,” Siddaramaiah pointed out.

He further noted that both Savarkar and Golwalkar of the Hindu Mahasabha were opposed to the Constitution, adhering instead to the Manusmriti and the Chaturvarna system, which they never supported.

“While BJP leaders criticize Nehru, it was under Mahatma Gandhi’s leadership that figures like Nehru, Sardar Patel, and Subhas Chandra Bose fought valiantly for India’s freedom. Our nation’s independence is owed to their relentless efforts. The BJP leaders did not take part in the freedom struggle; neither Savarkar nor Golwalkar contributed to it,” Siddaramaiah stated.

The Chief Minister called out the current BJP leaders for portraying themselves as great patriots, labeling it as “hypocrisy.”

Siddaramaiah honored former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who he described as a martyr who left behind her ideals for others to follow.

“Indira Gandhi was a brave woman, often referred to as the Iron Lady. During the Bangladesh Liberation War, even Atal Bihari Vajpayee recognized her as Goddess Durga. Approximately 90,000 Pakistani soldiers were taken prisoner in that war, thanks to India's decisive victory over Pakistan,” he remarked.

He emphasized that Indira Gandhi initiated the ‘Garibi Hatao’ (Eradicate Poverty) movement.

“At that time, poverty was rampant, and inequality was widespread. To tackle poverty, she launched the 20-Point Programme,” Siddaramaiah explained.

He pointed out that the Constitution guarantees the right to live with dignity, yet the caste system has perpetuated inequality, preventing a majority of people, especially women, from accessing education and cultural opportunities.

“Under the Chaturvarna (fourfold) system, opportunities were primarily available to the first three castes, while even upper-caste women faced educational restrictions,” Siddaramaiah highlighted.

The Chief Minister mentioned Basavanna, who envisioned an egalitarian society and sparked a social revolution. He noted that his government has recognized Basavanna as a cultural leader, ordering his photograph to be displayed in all government offices.

Siddaramaiah also praised Vallabhbhai Patel, who, aside from being the first Deputy Prime Minister of India, was a key figure in the fight for India’s independence.

“It was Patel, in his role as Home Minister, who made significant efforts to integrate various states into the Indian Union, earning him the title of the Iron Man of India,” the Chief Minister concluded.