In a subtle but pointed critique of the Union Government, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday accused it of functioning like a “dictator-type government,” suggesting it ignores the voices of the people. Speaking at an event commemorating Basaveshwara Jayanti at Kudalasangama, Siddaramaiah drew a contrast between true democracy and what he termed the current governance style.
“In a dictatorship, communication is one-sided — there’s no room to listen. It’s just like saying ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” the Chief Minister remarked, indirectly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s popular radio program. He implied that the show symbolized an authoritarian approach where citizen feedback is absent.
Siddaramaiah emphasized that democracy, by nature, requires dialogue. “True democracy is based on two-way communication — where the government listens as much as it speaks,” he said.
Referencing 12th-century philosopher and reformer Basaveshwara, Siddaramaiah said the spiritual leader envisioned a system grounded in equality and participative governance — principles, he argued, the current administration is drifting away from. He added that Basaveshwara’s vision stood in stark contrast to any form of autocracy.
The Chief Minister warned against allowing those who oppose equality and social justice to dominate national discourse or take control of the Constitution. “Our Constitution is the cornerstone of democracy. It should never fall into the hands of those who reject its core values like equality and caste eradication,” he concluded.
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