Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah's Controversial 'Sanatani' Warning Sparks BJP-Congress Confrontation Amid RSS March Dispute

Bengaluru:

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has ignited controversy with his remarks on "Sanatani" that included a caution - maintain distance from the right wing and remain vigilant about the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the BJP, and its affiliated organizations. His statements emerge amid a dispute over an RSS march that lacked government approval. The High Court eventually permitted the march, though on an alternative date.

"Maintain appropriate associations. Connect with those supporting society, rather than individuals opposing social progress or with 'sanatanis'," Siddaramaiah stated after launching the silver jubilee celebrations of Mysore University and inaugurating the new Jnana Darshana building.

In this context, he referenced the incident where someone threw a shoe at the Chief Justice of India. "The fact that a 'sanatani' hurled a shoe at the Chief Justice demonstrates that 'sanatanis' and conservative elements continue to exist in society. This action should be condemned universally, not solely by Dalits," he emphasized.

He further stated that the RSS has historically opposed B R Ambedkar and the Constitution he drafted.

"Who stood against this Constitution? Manuvadis opposed it. Golwalkar opposed it. Savarkar opposed it. They continue their opposition even now. Shouldn't we remain alert about them? This information must be conveyed to society and students. We should speak the truth," he asserted.

With the court ruling on the RSS march representing a setback for the government, the BJP and right-wing groups swiftly retaliated against Siddaramaiah's statement.

The BJP has alleged that the Chief Minister is attempting to divert attention from corruption allegations against him.

RSS leader Rajiv Tuli remarked that Congress's animosity toward the RSS is "longstanding, not recent." He recalled that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru once in 1948 called to "crush" the organization and accused the party of opposing "Indianness, nationalism, and Hindutva."

"A Chief Minister in Karnataka, whose parents' names contain 'Ram,' whose wife's name includes 'Parvati,' and who himself is called Siddaramaiah advises people to avoid the company of 'sanatanis'," stated right-wing leader Vinod Bansal.

Mr. Siddaramaiah's Deputy DK Shivakumar has distanced himself from these comments. "I do not wish to comment on that. You may ask me whatever you want regarding my position. I will provide an explanation," he told reporters when questioned about the matter.