Mysuru/ Belagavi 18 Oct

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday urged people to avoid the company of 'sanatanis' and remain cautious of the RSS and Sangh Parivar, saying they had historically opposed BR Ambedkar and the Constitution he framed.

"Keep your company right. Associate with those who stand for society, not with those who oppose social change or with 'sanatanis'," Siddaramaiah said after inaugurating the silver jubilee celebrations of Mysore University and dedicating the new Jnana Darshana building.

Referring to the recent incident in which a shoe was hurled at Chief Justice of India BR Gavai, the Siddaramaiah said, "The fact that a 'sanatani' threw a shoe at the Chief Justice shows that 'sanatanis' and orthodox elements still exist in society. This act should be condemned not just by Dalits but by everyone."

Siddaramaiah also said that the RSS and Sangh Parivar had opposed Ambedkar’s Constitution and continue to do so.

Speaking about the Ambedkar School of Economics, he said, “Another Ambedkar will never be born, but everyone should follow his ideals and walk in his footsteps."

‘NO PROPOSAL TO BAN RSS’

Meanwhile, speaking to reporters at the Belagavi Guest House, Law Minister HK Patil clarified that the State government has no proposal or plan to impose a ban on the RSS or any other organisation.

Referring to Karnataka Rajyotsava on 1 November— the day marking the formation of the unified Karnataka — Patil urged people of all languages, castes, and communities to celebrate the occasion together with enthusiasm. He appealed to members of the pro-Maharashtra Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) also to participate in the celebrations.

The Minister warned that observing the day as a “Black Day,” as done in some Marathi-speaking areas such as Belagavi, was unacceptable.