Kumaraswamy hits back at Siddaramaiah over Bhagavad Gita row, accuses CM of fostering social conflict

Mandya: A political war of words intensified on Saturday after Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy issued a sharp counter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s criticism regarding his demand to introduce the Bhagavad Gita in school curriculum.

Speaking to reporters in Mandya, Kumaraswamy questioned, “What is the relationship between Manuvad and the Bhagavad Gita? What exactly does Siddaramaiah want children to be taught?”

Defending his proposal, Kumaraswamy said he had suggested including the Gita not for religious conversion but after observing the deteriorating social environment under Siddaramaiah’s leadership. “I have seen how today’s children are growing and how society is being shaped. Based on that, I said the Bhagavad Gita is necessary,” he stated.

Accusing the Chief Minister of consistently triggering social divisions, Kumaraswamy alleged that Siddaramaiah has been “enjoying politics in the name of non-Muslims for the last ten years” without meaningfully addressing their concerns. “There are many smaller castes within non-Muslim communities. What is Siddaramaiah’s contribution to them? Whom has he prioritised?” he asked.

Kumaraswamy further said that the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita emphasise non-violence and ethical conduct, values he believes the present government is failing to uphold. “This government supports illegal activities. In such a situation, the Gita becomes even more relevant,” he added.

Responding to Congress MLA Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s accusation that the CM is being targeted with “baseless allegations,” Kumaraswamy remarked that Yathindra “does not know history” and questioned the political journey that brought Siddaramaiah to power.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised the BJP-JDS alliance, saying Kumaraswamy had suddenly turned into a “ Manuvadi” after joining hands with the BJP. Recalling Ambedkar’s rejection of Hindu social structures, Siddaramaiah said the push to introduce the Bhagavad Gita in schools reflects the ideological influence of the alliance.

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