At Temple Consecration in Allapattana, CM Blends Personal Journey with Basavanna’s Teachings, Calls for Caste Eradication Through Education and Equality
Mandya: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah revisited his spiritual and cultural roots on Thursday during the reconstruction and consecration ceremony of Sri Annadaneshwara Swamy temple in Allapattana, his ancestral village. In an emotional moment, the CM sang lines from a folk ballad: "I came slowly from Allapattana, Rameswara, Annadaneshwara..." reflecting his deep personal connection to the temple and its traditions.
Speaking at the event on Friday, Siddaramaiah reminisced about his childhood, when he performed the Veera Kunita, a traditional folk dance still popular during Siddarameshwara pujas. “I sang, I danced… and that was where it all began,” he said, recalling how a teacher, Rajappa Master, later brought him into formal education by enrolling him in 5th grade. “Since then, I’ve never looked back,” he added.
Highlighting his belief in humanism and service, Siddaramaiah invoked Basavanna's ideals, saying: “The body is the temple… There should be no intermediaries between man and God.” He stressed that humanity is the path to divine grace, and that God does not help those who act inhumanely.
In a strong social message, he emphasized eradicating caste as envisioned by Ambedkar and Basavadi Sharanas. “Caste is stagnant; class has movement,” he said, advocating for education, economic independence, and social opportunities as the only way forward. “Earlier, merit was judged by caste. Today, it must be based on actual ability,” he said.
Recalling criticism from his early political days, Siddaramaiah noted, “When I presented my first budget as Deputy CM, they mocked me saying I couldn’t even count a hundred sheep. But today, I’ve presented 16 budgets—proving that opportunity reveals true talent.”
He concluded with a call to follow Basavanna’s simple religion, where morality is heaven and immorality is hell. “Don’t believe in karma theories that justify wrongdoings. Doing sinful acts in the name of good deeds won’t please God,” he said.
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