Mysuru: Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Friday hit back at Karnataka Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah over his remarks opposing the idea of a ‘Hindu Rashtra’, asking him to consult his mother about the country’s culture, religion and traditions.
Karandlaje was in Mysuru to offer prayers at the Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple atop Chamundi Hill on the occasion of the last Ashada Friday. Speaking to reporters after her visit, she criticised Yathindra’s position and invoked his family background while responding to his remarks.
The exchange has added to the ongoing political debate in Karnataka over religion, cultural identity and the constitutional character of the country.
Karandlaje targets Yathindra’s remarks
Responding to a question about Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s opposition to the concept of a Hindu Rashtra, Karandlaje said he should ask his mother about the country’s cultural and religious traditions.
She referred to former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah’s wife and said that the person who raised Yathindra would be able to give him an answer about the culture and traditions of the country.
The BJP leader’s remarks came while she was speaking to the media at Chamundi Hill after visiting the temple.
The comments are likely to intensify the political disagreement between the BJP and Congress over questions relating to religion, culture and the identity of the nation.
Visit to Chamundeshwari temple
Karandlaje visited the Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Temple on Chamundi Hill on the occasion of the final Ashada Friday.
Ashada Fridays are considered particularly significant for devotees visiting the Chamundeshwari Temple, which is one of the prominent religious landmarks of Mysuru.
After offering prayers, Karandlaje spoke about the cultural and religious heritage associated with the region.
She said she prayed for Goddess Chamundeshwari’s blessings and strength for those working to protect the culture and religion of the land.
Wadiyars’ contribution highlighted
During her interaction with reporters, Karandlaje also referred to the contribution of the Wadiyar Maharajas to Mysuru’s cultural and religious heritage.
She said the Wadiyars had played an important role in preserving the culture and faith of the region.
Karandlaje further drew a comparison between the historical rulers and the present government, saying those currently running the state occupy a position of responsibility towards the region’s heritage.
She expressed the hope that Goddess Chamundeshwari’s blessings would remain with people who work to preserve the cultural heritage of the land.
Her comments came against the backdrop of the political debate over the role of religion and cultural traditions in public life.
Karandlaje raises voter deletion issue
The Union Minister also responded to a question about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations concerning large-scale deletion of voters.
Karandlaje claimed that Karnataka had recorded the highest number of voter deletions in the country during the exercise.
She also said that a significant number of deletions had taken place in her own constituency.
The issue of voter deletion has become a politically sensitive subject as authorities undertake electoral roll verification and revision.
Karandlaje argued that people often retain connections with their native towns and villages even after moving elsewhere for employment or other reasons.
Calls for voting rights protection
Karandlaje said people should continue to be able to exercise their voting rights wherever they are entitled to do so.
She referred specifically to Kannadigas living in different parts of the country and said their identity and connection with their native places should not be treated as grounds for depriving them of their voting rights.
Her remarks come amid political debate over the electoral roll revision process, including questions surrounding deletions, verification and the documentation required to establish voter eligibility.
The Special Intensive Revision has become a major political issue, with parties and political leaders raising concerns over the manner in which electoral rolls are being updated.
Political debate continues
Karandlaje’s comments on both religion and electoral rolls reflect two issues that have generated significant political debate in Karnataka.
Her response to Yathindra’s statement brings the BJP and Congress into another exchange over the idea of a Hindu Rashtra and the relationship between religion, culture and India’s constitutional framework.
At the same time, her comments on voter deletions highlight the continuing political focus on the electoral roll revision process.
The BJP and Congress have frequently taken opposing positions on matters concerning religion, cultural identity and electoral administration, making such statements a regular feature of political discourse in the state.
Conclusion
Karandlaje’s visit to Chamundi Hill combined a religious programme with political commentary on issues currently being debated in Karnataka.
While responding to Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s remarks, she invoked cultural and religious traditions and highlighted the historical role of the Wadiyar dynasty in preserving Mysuru’s heritage.
She also used the interaction to raise concerns about voter deletions during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, urging that eligible citizens should retain their voting rights.
The comments are expected to fuel further political discussion in Karnataka, particularly as both the debate over electoral rolls and differences over religion and cultural identity continue to occupy centre stage.
