K'taka BJP attacks CM Siddaramaiah over 'bias' against Hindu symbols, traditions

BENGALURU: Responding to the decision of the government not to allow saffron shawls and headgear in schools and colleges, the Karnataka unit of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, accusing him of showing intolerance towards Hindu beliefs, traditions, and religious symbols while allegedly displaying favouritism towards minority communities.

In a strongly worded statement, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, R. Ashoka, and other BJP leaders alleged that the Chief Minister reacts negatively to Hindu symbols and practices. “You tremble at the sight of tilak, feel uneasy at the sight of saffron, become restless when you see the Hanuman flag, and are irritated even by the mention of the Ram temple,” the Ashoka slammed.

Ashoka further accused Siddaramaiah of enthusiastically participating in celebrations of other religious communities. “During minority community events, you wear perfume, don a cap, and appear decorated like a newlywed groom,” he remarked.

Questioning the Chief Minister’s approach towards Hindu traditions, Ashoka asked why he allegedly displays “so much intolerance and hatred” towards Hindu beliefs, customs, and religious symbols.

Ashoka also reminded Siddaramaiah that he is the Chief Minister of the entire state and not just of minority communities. “Do not forget that you are the Chief Minister of the whole state, not only of minorities,” Ashoka added.

It can be recalled that, permitting the wearing of hijabs, sacred threads, the Karnataka government on Wednesday withdrew its February 5, 2022, order on school and college uniforms and issued fresh guidelines permitting students to wear "limited traditional and faith-based symbols" along with prescribed uniforms in educational institutions across the state, stirring a huge controversy.