Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge said on Monday that Sikh, Jain, Buddhist and Lingayat religion were all born as separate religions in India, because Hinduism did not give a ‘respectable place’ to some sections of society. He responded to some BJP leaders to criticize CM Siddaramaiah.

CM Siddaramaiah commented on inequality and casteism in Hindu society and on this, Karnataka BJP President BY Vijayendra and Legislative Council Member (MLC) CT Ravi accused the state government of promoting conversion through his policies.

‘Not a respectable place in Hinduism’

Targeting the BJP leaders, Kharge said, ‘I don’t think Vijayendra and Ravi are aware of the history of religion in India. Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism and Lingayat religion were all born in India as a separate religion. All these religions were born in India because there was no place for them in Hinduism, it did not give them a respectable place.

He asked, ‘What is the Chaturvarna system? Is it in any other religion? It is only in Hinduism. Babasaheb Ambedkar gave the slogan that being born as a Hindu is not in my hand, but I will not die as a Hindu. Why? Due to varna system.

Kharge said, ‘People did not have dignity, different castes felt isolated from the system. All the religions born in India have been born against this inequality. I do not think these people (BJP leaders) know what it is.

In response to a question, Siddaramaiah said in Mysore on Saturday, ‘Some people are converting due to the system. If there were equality and equal opportunities in Hindu society, then why would there be conversion? Why did untouchability come? ‘

Righteousness of conversion people- Kharge

When asked about inequality among Muslims and Christians, Siddaramaiah said, ‘Wherever there is inequality – whether it is in Muslims or in Christians, neither we nor BJP have asked people to convert. People have converted to religion. This is their right.

Kharge said that in a recent conference of Veerashaiva-Lingayats, it was decided that in the upcoming social and educational survey, the people of the community would not write Veerashaiva-Lingayat in the column of religion. This survey is also called ‘Caste Census’.

The minister asked Vijayendra, ‘What do he have to say about this? Can he hold it appropriately and then talk to us? ‘ Vijayendra is the son of senior BJP leader and former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa. They are Lingayats.

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