Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah fuelled a controversy after his remark on religious conversion of Hindus, asserting that there would have been no conversion if there was equality in the Hindu community. Siddaramaiah made this remark while speaking with reporters in Bengaluru.
“Why would anyone convert if there was equality in the Hindu community?” he said.
Karnataka CM also said no political party has asked people to convert but they are still doing it, as it was their right.
“If there was equality, why did untouchability come into existence? Did we create untouchability? There can be inequalities in Islam, Christianity, or any religion. Neither we nor the BJP asked anyone to convert, but people do convert, and it is their right,” he added.
R Ashoka dares Siddaramaiah to question Muslims
The Opposition has lapped up the issue and rebuked the Karnataka Chief Minister for targeting Hindus and attempting to divide people based on caste and religion.
Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, has hit back over Siddaramaiah's statement. Ashoka dared Siddaramaiah to question Muslims over equality.
Siddaramaiah accepts proposal to rename Shivajinagar Metro Station after St Mary
Earlier, Karnataka Chief Minister created a controversy after accepting a proposal to rename Bengaluru’s Shivajinagar Metro Station after St Mary. Speaking at the annual feast at St Mary’s Basilica, Siddaramaiah promised Archbishop Peter Machado to name the Shivajinagar Metro station after St. Mary. He said the proposal in this regard will be sent to the Central government and the request will be processed according to due procedures.
The BJP has strongly criticised the move, accusing the Congress-led government of disrespecting the Maratha icon Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj for the sake of political appeasement.
The issue has also drawn sharp reactions from Maharashtra. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis condemned the decision, calling it an insult to Shivaji Maharaj.
