Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, speaking at the inauguration of Mahatma Gandhi’s statue in Belagavi on Tuesday, emphasized that Mahatma Gandhi was a devoted Hindu and that the Congress upholds “Gandhi’s Hindutva.” He countered the BJP’s long-standing claim that Gandhi was anti-Hindu, calling it a “100 percent false” narrative. The event, which marked the centenary of the 1924 Congress session where Gandhi had presided as Congress president, saw the participation of Congress leaders such as President Mallikarjun Kharge, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, and others.
Siddaramaiah explained, “Mahatma Gandhi always invoked Lord Rama’s name. When Nathuram Godse assassinated him, he uttered ‘Hey Ram’. There cannot be a clearer example of his devotion. Gandhi was a diehard Hindu.” The Chief Minister went on to clarify that while Gandhi was not against Hinduism, he sought reforms within it and advocated for unity between Hindus and Muslims. He also pointed out that Gandhi’s influence extended beyond the independence movement, offering guidance on governance and ethical conduct for ministers.
Siddaramaiah further contrasted the Congress’s values with those of the BJP, stating, “We believe in Gandhi’s Hindutva, while they (BJP) aim to divide society. We support the Indian Constitution, whereas the BJP opposes it.” He asserted that protecting the Constitution was essential for safeguarding democracy and ensuring the nation’s well-being.
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