BENGALURU: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed his opposition to any moves to change the basic tenets of the Constitution and to upholding secularism in the country. “The directive principles of the Constitution guaranteed equality for every religion. Only those who have no faith in the Constitution are advocating changes to it,” Siddaramaiah said, taking an indirect dig at Pejawar Mutt Seer Vishwesha Theertha Swami.
The seer, during his speech at the Dharma Sansad in Udupi on Saturday, had demanded that the government amend the Constitution and do away with special provisions for minorities to ensure equality in society. He had also advocated the need for more potent laws on cow protection. However, the seer later had clarified that he did advocate for changes in the Constitution and that his statement had been misinterpreted.
“I have the highest respect for the Constitution,” he said. “There is no need for changes in the Constitution. We have accepted and adopted the Constitution. It has enshrined equality for all religions, advocates religious harmony and social justice. Some are trying to sow the seeds of caste and communal hatred which is not a healthy development,” Siddaramaiah said in his address at a function to celebrate Constitution Day.