“Hindutva Is Hindutva, I’m Hindu”: Siddaramaiah Responds to the BJP

Bengaluru: On Thursday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah incited controversy by asserting that there is a distinction between the Hindu religion and the Hindutva ideology. He said, “‘Soft’ Hindutva? ” while speaking at a Congress gathering in Bengaluru. “Soft Hindutva” is seen as a political tactic to win over moderate Hindu voters without alienating members of minority populations. “What does’soft’ and ‘hard’ Hindutva mean?

Hinduism is what it is. I follow Hinduism. Hinduism is distinct, as is Hindutva. We adore Ram, don’t we? Are they the only ones, the BJP? Have we not constructed Ram Mandirs? We sing Ram Bhajans, don’t we?

“During the final week of December, people sing bhajans… It’s a custom in our community that I used to follow. This is also a common practice in other communities. Are they the only ones, the BJP? “Aren’t we Hindus?”

Ashwath Narayan, the CN of the BJP, reacted quickly, claiming that Siddaramaiah and the Congress “never had any clarity of issues with regard to Bharat or Hindutva” and charge[ing] them with playbook politics.

“Congress has always engaged in polarizing politics and disregards the rule of law. Why go into these matters of religion? He argued, “They have no moral right to discuss Hindutva.

The remarks were similar to what the Chief Minister of Karnataka said in February when serving as the Leader of the Opposition. “Hindutva is against the Constitution,” he said at the time. Hindu dharma and Hindutva are not the same. I have nothing against Hinduism. Despite being a Hindu, I reject Hindutva and Manuvad.”

“No religion supports murder… but Hindutva supports murder and discrimination.”

He said that he is a Hindu but is against Hindutva in January as well. He said that while he had never been against the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he was against its being used for political advantage.

It is noteworthy that Mr. Siddaramaiah made similar remarks this week as well since the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will be dedicated on January 22, which is less than four months before the general election.

One of the main election promises made by the BJP was the construction of the temple, which aided Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his ascent to power in 2019. Furthermore, it may almost guarantee an unprecedented third term.

Undoubtedly, the Ram Temple and the Ayodhya infrastructure drive will be key campaign platforms for the BJP in 2024—something that the Congress and opposition understands they must oppose.

In light of this, Mr. Siddaramaiah’s remarks are being seen as an effort to win over moderate Hindu voters in advance of the Lok Sabha election—especially in a state where consecutive Assembly and Lok Sabha elections have traditionally seen a low turnout for the same party.

In light of that, his words about the hijab controversy in his state are also being seen as a course adjustment. He said his administration had not issued any orders last week, a day after media reports stated the ban on the headscarf, which had been enforced by the previous government run by the BJP, had been lifted.