Bidar, 22 April

Vice President CP Radhakrishnan on Wednesday took a veiled dig at AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge over his remark against PM Narendra Modi, saying the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha "fails to distinguish between terror and those who fight it."

He made the remark at the beginning of his speech at the Amrit Mahotsava (75th birth anniversary) celebration of Dr Basavalinga Pattadevaru Mahaswamiji of Hiremath Samsthan at Sri Channabasavashram in Bhalki, Bidar district.

Kharge, Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, and Minister Eshwar Khandre were among those present at the event.

“I had a slight difference with Kharge ji—only a difference in vision. Sometimes, I feel Kharge ji does not differentiate between black and white, or between a terrorist and the terror to the terrorist. Otherwise, I have no problem; he is a very good friend of mine,” Radhakrishnan said.

Kharge on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Modi of “terrorising” political parties by misusing government machinery and central agencies to stifle the Opposition, triggering strong reactions from the BJP.

Radhakrishnan also said Bidar holds great historical significance and is associated with 12th-century social reformer Basavanna, who strongly opposed social discrimination and worked towards creating an egalitarian society.

“It is in this sacred land of Kalyana that Basavanna conducted the Anubhava Mandapa, considered the world’s first spiritual forum. Its ideals continue to inspire generations, and this land remains blessed by his revolutionary vision,” he said.

Radhakrishnan also paid tributes to Basavalinga Pattadevaru, who he said dedicated his life to compassion and service.

He added that religious centres, with their deep roots and wide influence, can become powerful agents of transformation.

Meanwhile, at the event, Kharge said that man is not born for the sake of religion; rather, religions are created for the welfare of human beings.

“Unless we say that we are all one, no religion can grow,” he added.

He also said that Buddhism, once widely practiced in India, is now facing several challenges in its country of origin. “The same should not happen to Basavanna’s teachings.”