Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a sharp attack on Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday, labelling him a 'Manuvadi' for his recommendation to include the Bhagavad Gita in school curricula. The accusation came after Siddaramaiah paid tributes to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar on the 69th Mahaparinirvana day.
The Core of the Controversy
Siddaramaiah stated that Kumaraswamy had written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, seeking the religious text's inclusion in the national curriculum. The Chief Minister linked this move directly to Kumaraswamy's political alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). "Kumaraswamy has become a Manuvadi after joining hands with BJP," Siddaramaiah declared.
In his letter, Kumaraswamy had described the Bhagavad Gita as a source of "timeless, value-based ideals." He argued that its introduction would foster "clarity of thought, moral courage, and strong character" among students. The Union Minister also pointed out that the existing National Education Policy (NEP) already emphasizes value-based education.
Constitutional Values vs. Religious Text
Countering this push, the Karnataka Chief Minister emphasized his government's commitment to constitutional principles. He highlighted Dr. Ambedkar's scholarly process in drafting the constitution after studying statutes from around the world. "He gave us a constitution that our country needed," Siddaramaiah remarked.
He further detailed his administration's focus on civic education, stating, "Karnataka had prioritised teaching the preamble of the constitution so students understand their rights and duties." Siddaramaiah added that the constitution grants rights and duties to every individual, and understanding its objectives is crucial for all citizens.
Political Reactions and Accusations
The political sparring intensified as BJP's state president, B.Y. Vijayendra, accused the Congress party of hypocrisy. Speaking at a Mahaparinirvana day event at the BJP office, Vijayendra claimed the Congress "sheds crocodile tears" over Ambedkar's legacy while it was the Modi government that truly honoured it.
He levied serious allegations against the grand old party, stating that the Congress had done an injustice to Ambedkar by not conferring the Bharat Ratna upon him. Vijayendra also alleged that the party had "conspired to defeat him in elections."
In a swift rebuttal to Siddaramaiah's 'Manuvadi' jibe, Union Minister Kumaraswamy rejected any link between 'Manuvad' and his proposal. He clarified that his letter to the Education Minister was not driven by any intent to convert people. Kumaraswamy cited rising social tensions, incidents of violence, and suicides, arguing that teaching the Gita's values would help strengthen human relationships and guide children in a deteriorating social environment.
The debate underscores a deepening ideological divide in Karnataka's political landscape, pitting the promotion of specific religious texts for value education against a staunch advocacy for a constitution-centric curriculum.
