Belagavi( Karnataka), January 20: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday said Mahatma Gandhi was a diehard Hindu and the Congress believes in "Gandhi's Hindutva".
He criticized the BJP for portraying Gandhi as "anti-Hindu," calling the claims completely false. Siddaramaiah made these remarks while unveiling a statue of Mahatma Gandhi in front of the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, a significant event attended by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi, Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar, senior Congress leaders along with ministers, MPs, and legislators.
The event marked the centenary of the 1924 Congress session, which Gandhi had chaired as the party president. Siddaramaiah emphasized Gandhi's unwavering faith, stating, "Mahatma Gandhi always chanted the name of Lord Rama. When he was assassinated by Nathuram Godse, his last words were 'Hey Ram.' There could be no clearer example of his devout Hindu beliefs."
The Chief Minister clarified that while Gandhi was never opposed to Hinduism, he sought reforms within the faith, aiming to foster unity between Hindus and Muslims. Gandhi, he added, contributed not only to India's freedom struggle but also offered guidelines for governance, including how ministers should conduct themselves.
Siddaramaiah contrasted the Congress's vision with the BJP's, stating, "We believe in Mahatma Gandhi's Hindutva, while they (BJP) seek to divide society. They are 'Manuvadis' (advocates of a caste-based social order), whereas we stand by the Indian Constitution." He stressed the importance of protecting the Constitution, asserting that it is essential for safeguarding democracy and the rights of citizens.
He also criticized the BJP for attempting to weaken the Constitution over the years. Congress President Kharge echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that without the Constitution, the country would have descended into chaos. "People today remember Gandhiji and honor him for his sacrifices, contributions, and the principles he upheld," Kharge concluded.
