Siddaramaiah: India’s Pluralism Cannot Be Compromised
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Synopsis
On January 31, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reaffirmed that India’s identity as a secular and pluralistic nation cannot be diminished to a single religion, emphasizing the importance of tolerance and unity among diverse communities.
Key Takeaways
- India is a secular and pluralistic nation.
- All religions and castes deserve equal respect.
- Five major guarantee schemes have been implemented to promote equality.
- Hatred contradicts the spirit of the Constitution.
- The Congress party has a strong record of fulfilling its promises.
Kodagu, (Karnataka) Jan 31 (NationPress) In response to the notion that India is a one-religion nation, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that India is a secular, democratic, and pluralistic nation that cannot be reduced to a single faith.
While inaugurating an elevated bridge over the Cauvery River at Bhagamandala, Siddaramaiah stated, "Every religion, community, and caste deserves equal respect. This is why our Constitution promotes tolerance and coexistence. We should cherish our own beliefs while honoring those of others."
He further highlighted, "This is the true meaning of tolerance. Only in a tolerant society can we fully embrace our shared humanity. As Kuvempu expressed, we all start as universal beings, yet often become narrow-minded as we age. It is our responsibility to aspire to be universal individuals."
Siddaramaiah urged citizens to discern which political party genuinely fulfills its promises and prioritizes public welfare. "In just one year and eight months in power, our administration has successfully rolled out five key guarantee schemes," he remarked.
The schemes—Shakti, Anna Bhagya, Gruha Lakshmi, Yuva Nidhi, and Gruha Jyoti—aim to empower economically disadvantaged groups across all communities. By implementing these initiatives, our government has made a significant move toward achieving societal equality, he affirmed.
Residents of Kodagu are politically astute and must evaluate which administration has kept its commitments. India is inherently pluralistic, with a rich tapestry of castes, religions, and languages, where mutual love and respect are essential. Hatred contradicts the essence of the Constitution, he added.
"Our administration is dedicated to realizing the goals set forth in the Constitution. Every government must operate in accordance with the law. The Constitution champions liberty, equality, and fraternity. It is vital that we cultivate fraternity and avoid societal division.
"Our objective is to unify society. Regardless of our caste or religion, we must transcend these divisions and come together as Indians. Since its founding, the Congress party has consistently advocated for social unity," he concluded.
Bhagamandala, known for the convergence of the Kaveri, Kannike, and Sujyoti rivers—termed the Triveni Sangama—is set to receive continued investment for infrastructure improvements, as previously supported by the Congress government.
He reiterated that the Congress party is reliable in fulfilling its commitments. During the 2013-2018 term, 158 out of 165 pledges were realized, whereas the BJP, which assumed power in 2018, has only met less than 10 percent of its promises, according to him.
"Our government ensures direct fund disbursement to beneficiaries, eliminating middlemen," he stated.
To alleviate the issues caused by microfinance institutions in the region, an ordinance will soon be enacted to regulate their operations, he disclosed.
