I oppose the brand of Hindutva that BJP practices: CM Siddharamaiah

Bengaluru: Chief Minister Siddharamaiah rebutted the media about the alleged Congress strategy of soft Hindutva approach for the upcoming assembly elections. Thus, asserted he belonged to Hindu community and believes in secular ideology.

“I oppose the brand of Hindutva that BJP practices. I am devoted to the idea of secularism. But I don’t know what the ‘soft Hindutva’ you refer to is,” replied Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

Speaking to media at Holalkere, Chitradurga district, CM advised his party workers and activist to be careful of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during election time, as not to indulge themselves in communal outburst.

“Why should I be scared?” was the reply of Siddaramiah when questioned “Is he afraid of RSS?”

To another question regarding the boycott of the meeting with SC/ST communities slated for December 31, the CM said that he had postponed the meeting to January 13, 2018.

As for the section of ST communities protesting against the Sadashiva Commission’s recommendations on reservations, on December 29, the CM said, “To protest is everybody’s right”.

CM assuring that once the census is conducted, necessary steps would be taken in demand of increase in reservation percentages.

As for questions on the Mahadayi river water sharing dispute, Siddaramaiah said that he had written to Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar inviting him for talks.

“Mahadayi agitations are not against the Congress. They are against Yeddyurappa because he is lying to people,” Siddharamaiah alleged.

Siddharamaiah said that he would convene a meeting soon to plan the Vishwa Kannada Sammelana at Davangere city this year.