CM Siddaramaiah Declares Himself a Follower of Basavanna, Calls for a Caste-Less Society
Bengaluru, August 5: In a powerful and philosophically charged address, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday unequivocally declared himself a follower of 12th-century social reformer Basavanna, asserting that the principles of Basava’s teachings are not just eternal but more relevant than ever in the fight against social inequality.
The CM was speaking at the grand culmination of the ‘Basava Samskriti Abhiyan-2025’ at Palace Grounds, held as part of the year-long celebration honouring Basavanna as the “Cultural Leader of Karnataka.” He was honoured at the event, which was attended by over 301 Sharanas, Gurus, Swamijis, and a massive public gathering of more than two lakh people.
A Personal and Political Commitment
“For me, Basava’s philosophy is a lifelong commitment. I am a follower of Basavanna,” Siddaramaiah stated, framing his personal and political identity around the reformer’s ideals. “The principles of Basava are not just for the past or present; they are eternal and relevant forever.”
He intricately wove his governance agenda with Basavanna’s vision, revealing a deeply personal connection. “I took my oath as Chief Minister on Basava Jayanti, and on that very day, I resolved to fulfil Basavanna’s vision of creating equal opportunities for all to live with dignity. Through various ‘guarantee’ schemes, we have tried to create opportunities for the poor of all castes and religions,” he said.
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Rejecting Caste, Embracing ‘Shudra’ Unity
In his most striking remarks, the Chief Minister launched a direct critique of the caste system, echoing Basavanna’s radical stance. “No one is superior by caste. Talent and knowledge are not the monopoly of any single caste,” he asserted.
He went a step further to build a unifying political narrative, stating, “We are all Shudras. Whatever our caste, all Shudras are one. We must realize that we are all the same, occupying the same position in the archaic four-fold varna system.” He labelled the denial of education based on caste as a “conspiracy of the elite.”
Constitution as an Extension of Basava’s Vision
Siddaramaiah drew a direct parallel between the Indian Constitution and Basava’s Anubhava Mantapa, the historic forum for philosophical discussions. “From my days as a law student, I have been a follower of Basavanna. Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar himself incorporated Basavanna’s aspirations into our Constitution. Therefore, the Constitution and Sharana culture are one and the same,” he explained.
He emphasized that the ideals of “Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity” enshrined in the Constitution’s preamble were the same as Basavanna’s dream of a caste-less and class-less society built on brotherhood. “This is why Basavanna is eternally relevant,” the CM added.
A Warning and a Pledge for Action
The Chief Minister also invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s warning, reminding the audience that “if inequalities are not removed, the communities suffering from them will dismantle the structure of freedom.”
He pledged to translate this philosophy into concrete institutional action, announcing that the government has agreed to establish a ‘Vishwa Vachana University’ and will take steps for its creation next year.
In another significant announcement, he said the state government would recommend to the Centre that the Bengaluru Metro be renamed ‘Basava Metro’. “Had the Metro been entirely a state government project, I would have announced its naming as ‘Basava Metro’ today itself,” he stated.
Concluding with a call for integrity, Siddaramaiah said, “Basavanna practised what he preached. We, his followers, can only become true adherents when we do the same.”
The event, attended by prominent seers, progressive thinkers, and activists from the Lingayat community, was marked by widespread appreciation for the Chief Minister’s deep commitment to the Sharana culture.
Key Quotes
“We are all Shudras. Whatever our caste, all Shudras are one.”
— Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
“The principles of Basava are not just for the past or present; they are eternal and relevant forever.”
— Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
“The Constitution and Sharana culture are one and the same.”
— Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, linking Basavanna to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar
“Talent and knowledge are not the monopoly of any single caste.”
— Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
“I took my oath as Chief Minister on Basava Jayanti… I resolved to fulfil Basavanna’s vision of creating equal opportunities for all.”
— Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
“Had the Metro been entirely a state government project, I would have announced its naming as ‘Basava Metro’ today itself.”
— Chief Minister Siddaramaiah
