By News Karnataka
Copyright newskarnataka
Bengaluru — A political storm erupted in Karnataka after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s remarks on religious conversions, where he questioned inequality within Hindu society and defended conversion as an individual right. His comments have drawn strong criticism from BJP leaders, who accused him of targeting Hinduism while ignoring issues within other religions.
Siddaramaiah’s remarks on equality and conversion
Speaking at a public event, Siddaramaiah said, “If there was equality in our Hindu community, then why would anyone convert? If there was equality, why did untouchability come into existence? Did we create untouchability?”
He acknowledged that every religion has its inequalities, but argued that conversion is a matter of personal choice. “Neither we nor the BJP asked anyone to convert, but people do convert, and it is their right,” he added.
BJP’s sharp response
Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, launched a scathing attack on the Chief Minister. “When it comes to equality, you always target Hinduism, don’t you, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah? Do you have the courage to question Muslims on equality?” he asked.
Ashoka went on to highlight issues within Islam, including restrictions on women in mosques, opposition to banning triple talaq, and references in religious texts. “Yes, caste system is a curse within Hindu society. But many great reformers—Basavanna, Vivekananda, Ambedkar—worked to transform society. Hindu society has the strength to self-correct. But in Islam, deep-rooted fundamentalism has never been questioned or corrected,” he alleged.
Opposition questions political motives
Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanswamy, accused Siddaramaiah of using caste and religion for political gain. He pointed to the ongoing caste survey in Karnataka, which includes categories such as “Dalit Christian”, “Lingayat Christian” and “Vokkaliga Christian”. “This is nonsense, and he has done this to please Sonia Gandhi,” Narayanswamy claimed.
Former chief minister Basavaraj Bommai also criticised Siddaramaiah, arguing that equality comes from values rather than religion. “Equality doesn’t come from religion, but from love, affection, and honour. No religion can truly bring equality,” he said.
Census controversy adds fuel
Bommai further alleged that Siddaramaiah’s caste survey was unconstitutional. “Only the Government of India has the authority to conduct a census. If a column is added for converted Christians, then there should also be columns for converted Hindus and Muslims. This is illegal. There is already an ‘Others’ column that even includes atheists,” he argued.
Political implications
The debate over Siddaramaiah’s comments and the caste survey comes amid heightened political activity in Karnataka, where identity-based issues often dominate electoral discourse. While Siddaramaiah framed his remarks as a reflection on historical inequalities, the BJP seized the opportunity to accuse him of selectively criticising Hinduism and pandering to minority communities.
With state politics already polarised, the controversy is expected to remain a flashpoint in the coming months, potentially influencing public sentiment ahead of future electoral battles.
