Uttarakhand: BJP MLA apologises for remarks on Hindu deities
Dehradun, Oct 13: BJP MLA Bansidhar Bhagat on Thursday apologised for his recent remarks on Hindu deities, saying he withdraws them if they have hurt anyone's sentiments.
However, he said his intentions were not wrong and by using the word "patao" he just meant coaxing the goddesses for their blessings.
"My intentions were pure. By saying 'patao' I just meant coaxing the goddesses for their blessings. Still, if my words have hurt anyone, I take them back," Bhagat told reporters.
Addressing an event in Haldwani on International Day of Girl Child on Tuesday, Bhagat, using the Hindi word "patao", said, "One has to cajole Goddess Saraswati for education, Goddess Durga for strength and Goddess Lakshmi for wealth."
"...what does a man have...Lord Shiva lives in the Himalayas and Lord Vishnu in the ocean," the MLA from Kaladhungi had said.
Reacting sharply to Bhagat's comments, the Congress had accused him of hurting religious sentiments by his remarks.
A group of seers had also appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah to take action against Bhagat, a former president of the BJP's Uttarakhand unit, for his remarks.
Correction | For knowledge, 'pataao' Goddess Saraswati. For power, 'pataao' Goddess Durga & for wealth, 'pataao' Goddess Lakshmi. What does a man have? Lord Shiva lives in mountains, Lord Vishnu in deep ocean. Women empowerment prevails since long: Banshidhar Bhagat, BJP (11.10) pic.twitter.com/hd7hsW1PlW
— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 12, 2022
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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.
