CM Siddaramaiah labels Kumaraswamy 'Manuvadi' over Bhagavad Gita curriculum push
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday took a swipe at Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, by calling him a "Manuvadi" after his alliance with the BJP, for seeking the inclusion of Bhagavad Gita in the curriculum for students.
The CM's dig came in response to Kumaraswamy's recent letter to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, requesting the inclusion of the Bhagavad Gita in the curriculum of students, as it will inspire and motivate youth to grow into responsible citizens from their student days and excel globally.
"After Kumaraswamy joined hands with the BJP for elections, he has become a Manuvadi," Siddaramaiah told reporters here after paying tributes to B R Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary here.
Remembering Ambedkar, Siddaramaiah highlighted his contribution to the Constitution and his relentless fight to provide social justice.
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The CM noted that Ambedkar, fed up with the social and caste system in Hinduism, and unable to reform it, accepted Buddhism.
He said, "Ambedkar, towards the end of his life, quit Hinduism and joined Buddhism. He had said -- he was born in Hinduism, but cannot die in Hinduism, because he could not reform Hinduism, despite several efforts, so he accepted Buddhism."
Meanwhile, reacting to the CM's comments, Kumaraswamy, speaking to reporters in Mandya, said Siddaramaiah's intention was to create a rift between communities.
"In what contest have I said? Have I asked for everyone to be converted? What is Manuvadi in it? His (Siddaramaiah) intention was to create a rift between communities. Is he a big Samajwadi (socialist)?... He has been enjoying power in the name of AHINDA (Kannada acronym for minorities, backward classes, and Dalits) for ten years. What has he done to the community?"
Responding to this, Shiddaramaiah, speaking to reporters in Hassan, asked what Kumaraswamy's contribution to Mandya (his Lok Sabha constituency) and Karnataka, being a union minister. He further asked what he did when it came to compensation for GST losses to the state and Mekedatu project.
Stating that he organised AHINDA, the CM further said all the five guarantee schemes are for the people, which includes AHINDA, poor, woman, working class.
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Experience comes when you play bigger teams in bilateral series: Rashid Khan
Chennai (PTI): Afghanistan skipper Rashid Khan called for more bilateral series against stronger cricketing nations after his team signed off from the T20 World Cup on a high, defeating Canada in their final group match here on Thursday.
Afghanistan played some exhilarating cricket, going down to South Africa in a gripping second Super Over after the scores were tied, a humdinger that provided one of the early thrills of the World Cup.
However, the spin-bowling stalwart said Afghanistan could make significant strides if they get regular opportunities to compete against stronger cricketing nations.
"Couple of areas to improve, with the batting, the middle order got a bit stuck against the big teams, and then with the bowling the death overs. That comes when you play the bigger teams in bilateral series," said Rashid after his team defeat Canada by 82 runs, with him returning excellent figures of 2 for 19.
The stalwart said the side had arrived well prepared for the tournament and produced some breathtaking cricket, but admitted the narrow defeat to South Africa proved costly and remained a painful setback.
"We were well-prepared (for the tournament), we played some unbelievable cricket. The game against South Africa, that really hurt everyone. We had to win one of those (first two) games and see how the tournament unfolded. We'll take some positive things from this World Cup and look forward," he said.
With head coach Jonathan Trott set to part ways with the team, Rashid described the departure as an "emotional" moment for the side.
"I think we had some wonderful times with him. Where we are now, he played a main role. It's emotional to see him leave us, but that's how life is. We wish him all the best and somewhere down the line we see him again."
Ibrahim Zadran, who was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 95 off 56 balls, said it was satisfying to finally register a substantial score after two below-par outings.
"I enjoyed it, didn't play better cricket in first two innings, which I expect. Wanted to back my skills, really enjoyed it. Pressure was there, it's there all the time. I want to put myself in pressure situations and enjoy it," said Zadran.
"Wanted to play positive cricket, rotate strike and punish bad ball, create partnerships and this is what I have done."
