Is Being Hindu About Politics or False Propaganda? K'taka CM Siddaramaiah

Mysuru (Karnataka), Sep 1 (NationPress) Addressing the debate over the commencement of the Dasara celebrations in Karnataka and the remarks made by Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding the Chamundi Hills not being solely for Hindus, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked, "Identifying as a Hindu does not equate to engaging in political maneuvering or disseminating falsehoods."

During a media interaction following the inauguration of the new facility of PM Sri Karnataka Public School at Siddaramanahundi, his birthplace in the Varuna constituency of Mysuru district, he stated, "Political agendas will not overshadow the historic Dasara festivities." He also criticized the BJP's 'Dharmasthala Chalo' march.

In a pointed comment, he noted, "The BJP, unable to acknowledge the government’s developmental initiatives, resorts to fabrications."

Responding to inquiries regarding the BJP’s 'Dharmasthala Chalo' initiative, the CM asserted, "This yatra is politically driven. The BJP believes it will yield electoral benefits, but it won’t. We hold Dharmasthala in high regard. When the SIT was established, the BJP did not object, but when they recognized no outcomes would emerge, they began opposing it. This is sheer hypocrisy."

Regarding the BJP’s 'Chamundi Chalo' initiative in Mysuru, the CM stated, "The BJP assumes that Hindutva will gain strength and unify all Hindus. I, too, identify as a Hindu. Did we not construct a Rama temple in our village? Being Hindu transcends politics, false propaganda, and deceit. One must embody humanity. The BJP is even politicizing the Dasara festival. Do they understand anything apart from lying?"

On the topic of the recent controversy, the CM mentioned, "Author and activist Banu Mushtaq has received the Booker Prize. How many individuals from our nation have achieved this honor? She has been invited to inaugurate the Dasara festivities in her honor."

He clarified, "Political motivations will not impact Dasara. While Chamundi Hills may be a sacred site for Hindus, Dasara is a state festival. A state festival signifies a celebration that includes everyone—Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Buddhists. Dasara is a festival for all communities."

When addressing Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar’s comment regarding the Chamundi Hills, the CM stated, "The discussion isn’t about Chamundi Hills; it’s about the Dasara festival."

Reflecting on his childhood after inaugurating the school, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed, "I will always owe a debt to my village."

"I attended school from Class 5 to 7 in my village, which has now been adopted by the Kempegowda International Airport Authority. Thanks to the collaboration with the Education Department, this new facility has been established. I am delighted to inaugurate it," CM Siddaramaiah remarked.

"Here, we conduct primary, high school, and PU college education. Due to a shortage of students, a degree program has not yet commenced. However, the village is already equipped with facilities such as a BCM student hostel, veterinary hospital, library, and community health centers," he concluded.

Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture, K. Venkatesh, and officials from the Education Department were present.