Mysuru: Siddaramaiah said that one can become the Chief Minister only with the blessings and support of the people and emphasised that his life’s mission is to empower the poor and vulnerable sections of society.
He was speaking at the Pratishtapana Mahotsava and Kumbhakalasha installation ceremony of the Sri Adishaktatmaka Dandimaramma Temple in Pillahalli village on Saturday.
Addressing devotees and local residents gathered at the event, the Chief Minister said that leadership comes from the trust and support of the people, and serving them remains his primary responsibility.
Faith and belief in divine presence
Siddaramaiah said that many people believe God resides in temples and clarified that he does not oppose the faith that worshipping God brings positive outcomes.
However, he said his personal belief is that the divine exists everywhere and within every individual.
“It is a matter of belief that God resides in temples, and I do not oppose the faith that worshipping God brings good. However, I believe that God exists everywhere, and I practise that belief,” he said.
The Chief Minister said spirituality should inspire people to live with compassion, kindness and goodwill towards others.
He emphasised that remembering God should not be limited to times of hardship but should remain a constant aspect of life.
Childhood connection with the temple
Recalling his long association with the temple, Siddaramaiah said he had been visiting the Dandimaramma Temple since his childhood.
He said the visit to Pillahalli village was motivated by affection for the people of the region and his respect for the temple’s religious significance.
“I came to Pillahalli to inaugurate the temple out of affection for the people of the village,” he said, adding that he hoped to continue receiving the support and goodwill of the local community in the future.
The ceremony drew participation from devotees, temple authorities and residents from nearby villages who gathered to witness the religious event.
Unity beyond religion and caste
Speaking about social harmony, the Chief Minister said that despite different religions and traditions, there is only one universal divine force.
He stressed that all religions promote peace and compassion rather than hatred.
“Though God has many names, there is only one divine force. God exists within us and everywhere. Wishing everyone well is what truly matters,” he said.
He added that no religion or caste teaches hatred and that all faiths emphasise love, respect and coexistence.
According to him, society must uphold these values to maintain harmony among communities.
Focus on social justice and equality
Siddaramaiah also spoke about the need to reduce social inequalities and ensure that the benefits of government welfare programmes reach every section of society.
He said the government’s policies and welfare schemes are designed with the objective of creating a more equitable society.
“People of all castes, religions and communities should gain economic and social strength. My objective is to empower the poor and the weak in society,” he said.
The Chief Minister emphasised that true social justice can only be achieved when government initiatives reach the last person in society, especially those who are economically and socially disadvantaged.
Welfare schemes aimed at inclusive development
He noted that several welfare programmes implemented by the state government are intended to improve the quality of life for the poor and marginalised communities.
These initiatives aim to provide economic opportunities, social security and access to essential services for citizens across Karnataka.
Siddaramaiah said inclusive development remains a key priority for the government and reiterated that policies will continue to focus on uplifting weaker sections of society.
Public support central to leadership
In his concluding remarks, the Chief Minister reiterated that political leadership must always remain accountable to the people.
He said that the trust and support of the public are essential for any leader to hold office and continue serving society.
By focusing on social justice, equality and welfare, the government aims to strengthen the social and economic foundations of the state, he said.
The event concluded with religious rituals and prayers attended by devotees, marking an important occasion for the local community and reaffirming the temple’s cultural and spiritual significance in the region.