Cordial Meeting Amidst Political Tensions
In a significant development, the chief ministers of Karnataka and Kerala, Siddaramaiah and Pinarayi Vijayan respectively, shared a stage and held cordial talks on Wednesday. This marked their first public interaction following a recent political spat between the two neighbouring states. The meeting took place at the serene Sivagiri mutt near Thiruvananthapuram during the 93rd Sivagiri Theerthadanam, an annual pilgrimage event held from December 30 to January 1.
Background of the Controversy
The interaction gains importance against the backdrop of a recent war of words. Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan had earlier criticised a demolition drive at Bengaluru's Kogilu Layout, terming it "bulldozer raj" and drawing parallels with alleged anti-minority actions in Uttar Pradesh. This remark did not sit well with the Karnataka leadership.
In a strong rebuttal, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and his deputy DK Shivakumar had objected to Vijayan's comments. They stated that the Kerala CM's remarks were made without understanding the facts of the encroachment removal drive and asked him to refrain from interfering in Karnataka's internal affairs.
A Stage for Pleasantries and Pilgrimage
Despite the underlying tension, the two leaders exchanged pleasantries on the dais and enquired about each other's well-being. Vijayan had to leave the venue before Siddaramaiah's speech due to a prior cabinet meeting commitment. The Karnataka CM, however, stayed on to pay his respects at the tomb of the revered social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru (1856–1928), at the mutt.
Expressing his gratitude on social media platform X, Siddaramaiah said he was delighted by the warm welcome extended by Gyanateertha Swami and the followers of the Guru upon his arrival in Thiruvananthapuram.
In his address to the gathering, Siddaramaiah praised Sree Narayana Guru as a philosopher, spiritual leader, and social reformer who led a powerful movement against caste injustice to promote social and economic equality. He emphasised that the Sivagiri mutt, spread across 200 acres and the site where the Guru attained samadhi in 1928, was not merely a pilgrimage centre but a hub of moral and intellectual thought. He called for renewed efforts to eradicate caste oppression and strengthen social justice.
For his part, Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan, in his inaugural address, steered clear of the demolition controversy. He focused instead on the enduring relevance of Guru's teachings. Vijayan cautioned against attempts to distort or confine the Guru's broad philosophy within narrow caste or religious boundaries. He also stated that the concept of a theocratic state was fundamentally against the ideals of Sree Narayana Guru.
The event was also attended by AICC general secretary KC Venugopal and other dignitaries, underscoring its significance.
