Whispers of Karnataka Congress leaders on paying tributes to Sardar Patel go viral
Bengaluru, Nov 24: With the whispers between senior Congress leaders in Karnataka, D K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah wondering about paying homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at an event organised to observe Indira Gandhi's death anniversary going viral, the BJP has accused the grand old party of showing respect to the country's first Home Minister only out of fear of the J P Nadda-led party.
The 1.15-minute video purportedly shows conversation between the two leaders, who were seated on the dais at the party office here to observe the event on October 31, which also happens to be Patel's birthday.
It was picked up by mics placed on the table while the cameras were on.
In the video, Siddaramaiah can be seen reminding Shivakumar, at the beginning of the event, that the day also happens to be Patel's birthday .
In response, Shivakumar says, "It is, Sir, but this is day (Indira's death anniversary) and that is birthday (Patel's). We don't keep their portraits together.
Following which Siddaramaiah can be heard saying, "But, what happens is, BJP will take advantage of it." To which Shivakumar replies, "Yes...but we have never kept (portraits together so far)."
The video is then fast-forwarded to show Shivakumar asking a party worker if Patel's portrait is there, and directs him to get it.
He then tells Siddaramaiah, he will get the Patel's portrait placed next to Indira, to which the former CM says, "it will be good."
Shivakumar then supervises the placement of Patel's portrait and all the leaders of the state including Siddaramaiah pay floral tributes to it.
Sharing the video, BJP leaders alleged that Congress shows respect to Patel, due to fear of BJP.
"If anyone had doubt about how much the Nehru Dynasty hated Sardar Patel, this video makes it clear. Congress leaders Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar agree to place photo of Sardar Patel along with that of Indira Gandhi fearing BJP. It is a shame that Slaves are so much scared of an Italian," BJP national General Secretary C T Ravi tweeted.
BJP MLA and Chief Minister's Political Secretary MP Renukacharya in a tweet said: "The Congress showed respect to Patel, due to fear of BJP."
ಬಿಜೆಪಿಗೆ ಹೆದರಿ ಪಟೇಲರಿಗೆ ಗೌರವ ತೋರಿದ ಕಾಂಗ್ರೆಸ್! ನವರ ಕರ್ಮಕಥೆ. pic.twitter.com/TgytqmplOy
— M P Renukacharya (@MPRBJP) November 23, 2021
If anyone had doubt how much the Nehru Dynasty hated Sardar Patel, this video clears it.
— C T Ravi 🇮🇳 ಸಿ ಟಿ ರವಿ (@CTRavi_BJP) November 24, 2021
CONgress leaders @siddaramaiah & @DKShivakumar agree to place photo of Sardar Patel along with that of Indira Gandhi fearing BJP.
It is a shame that Slaves are so much scared of an Italian. pic.twitter.com/ZiO3pUegGu
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Caste census will form basis for future policy decision, says CM Siddaramaiah
Mysuru (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday said that the ongoing caste census would form the basis for future policy decisions, asserting that the exercise was crucial to advancing social justice in the state.
Addressing a gathering at the Siddarameshwara Jayanti celebrations here, he said caste enumeration was being carried out for the first time since 1931 and would be followed by deliberations once the report is submitted.
"At present, a caste census (Jaati Sameekshe) is underway. After the report comes, we will discuss it and take necessary decisions," Siddaramaiah said.
He underlined the government’s commitment to equality, stating, "We are committed to social justice. No one should face injustice. Even if not 100 per cent, we will strive to ensure 99 per cent justice."
Referring to measures aimed at addressing intra-caste disparities, the chief minister said the government had already implemented internal reservation based on revised classifications.
"We have gone beyond the Nagamohan Das report and implemented internal reservation… now it has been revised to 5.25 per cent, 5.25 per cent, and 4.5 per cent. This has been approved by the Cabinet," he said.
Siddaramaiah said the broader objective was to ensure equitable distribution of resources and opportunities, while reiterating that policy interventions would be guided by constitutional principles.
"Our objective is equal share and equal life for all," he said.
He also emphasised the role of education in eliminating inequalities, particularly among marginalised communities, and said empowerment was essential to dismantle entrenched caste hierarchies.
"Only when people gain such empowerment can caste divisions be eradicated. Education is essential for this," he added.
The CM said the government would examine demands raised by various communities and take decisions based on feasibility, while ensuring that benefits reached all sections without discrimination.
