Siddaramaiah declines participation in event linked to RSS amid controversy
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a statement clarifying that he will not participate in the Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsava, organized by the Bharat Vikas Sangam, following criticism over his name being listed on the event’s invitation card.
In his statement, Siddaramaiah said, “I have noticed my name printed on the inauguration invitation of the Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsava organized by Bharat Vikas Sangam. I have not received any official invitation for this event. After reviewing the background details of the organization, I have decided not to participate.”
The Bharatiya Sanskriti Utsava is scheduled to take place in Sedam, Kalaburagi, from January 29 to February 6, 2025. The event, organized by Bharat Vikas Sangam, a group reportedly linked to RSS ideologue K.N. Govindacharya, has faced criticism for allegedly promoting Hindutva ideology under the guise of Indian cultural preservation.
The controversy began when the colorful invitation card for the event listed Siddaramaiah as the chief guest for the inauguration, alongside other Congress ministers and MPs. Critics, including writer and activist Shivsundar, called the event a platform for promoting an exclusive Hindu Brahmanical culture, equating it with Indian culture.
The invitation’s content further fueled the controversy, stating, “Hinduism is the lifeblood of our country... Our ancestors built temples and ashrams that united society. This event aims to counter cracks in this foundation by promoting a spiritual outlook.”
Shivsundar termed the Congress leaders' inclusion as a "constitutional betrayal" and urged the government to withdraw its association with the event. In addition to Siddaramaiah, the invitation had listed other prominent Congress leaders, including:
- Minister Priyank Kharge as chief guest for the inaugural session on January 29.
- Minister M.C. Sudhakar for an education-themed program on January 30.
- Agriculture Minister Cheluvarayaswamy for a session on February 1.
- Minister Sharanabasappa Darshanapur and MP Tukaram for sessions later in the week.
Responding to the uproar, Priyank Kharge denied receiving any official invitation, stating, “Our names have simply been added without our consent.” However, critics questioned how such listings were made without prior approval.
The event has also drawn participation from BJP leaders, Maharashtra government representatives, Telangana Congress members, and central government officials, including ISRO’s chairman.
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Kejriwal slams Centre over Delhi 'triple murder'
New Delhi (PTI): Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government after three members of a family were found dead at their home in the national capital.
Describing the incident as "extremely painful and frightening," the AAP convener accused the Centre of allowing criminals a free hand and failing to ensure law and order in the capital.
"Three murders in the same house in Neb Sarai… This is extremely painful and frightening. Every day, Delhiites wake up to such frightening news. Criminals have been given a free hand, law and order has collapsed. Homes are being destroyed, innocent lives are being lost. And those who are responsible are silently watching all this happen," he wrote in a post on X.
"Will the central government keep quiet like this and watch the law and order situation in Delhi collapse? Will its party still say that crime is not an issue in Delhi?" he added.
The Delhi Police operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also launched a sharp attack on the ruling party, accusing it of failing to fulfil its responsibility of providing security to the residents.
"There was a triple murder in Neb Sarai this morning. Murders are happening in broad daylight in Delhi, bullets are being fired, drugs are being sold openly. The central government has only one responsibility in Delhi - to provide security to the people of Delhi. They have completely failed in their responsibility," she said.
Rajesh (55), his wife Komal (47), and their daughter Kavita (23) were allegedly stabbed to death at their home in Neb Sarai on Wednesday. According to the police, the bodies were discovered by the couple's son, Arjun, when he returned from his morning walk.
An investigation into the incident is underway.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has recently intensified its attack on the Centre, accusing it of neglecting Delhi's law and order situation ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
With a series of violent incidents making headlines, the party is positioning public safety as a key election issue, challenging the Centre's handling of security in the national capital.
