Siddaramaiah Invokes Rani Chennamma, Cautions Against Forces Dividing India
Belagavi, Dec 25: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday drew a stark parallel between the British colonial strategy of “divide and rule” and contemporary forces attempting to split Indians along communal and caste lines, urging the public to remain vigilant.
The Chief Minister was addressing the concluding ceremony of the 201st Kittur Utsav, organized by the district administration and the Kittur Development Authority.
A Legacy of Resistance and a Warning for the Present
In his speech, Siddaramaiah highlighted the historical context of Rani Chennamma’s rebellion, noting that she had defeated the British in 1824, a full 33 years before the 1857 Sepoy Mutiny. He stated that the British, who initially came for trade, eventually took control of the entire country by pitting Indians against each other.
“The British, who came for trade, divided Indians and took control of the entire nation. Our own people were supporting the British. They conspired against Chennamma and Rayanna,” the Chief Minister said. “Even today, there are people among us who are trying to divide and pit Indians against each other in the name of caste and religion. We must be cautious of such elements.”
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Honouring Unsung Heroes and Countering Political Narratives
The Chief Minister paid tribute to the collective bravery of Rani Chennamma, Sangolli Rayanna, and Balappa, who together valiantly repelled the British forces. He also defended his government’s focus on historical figures like Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali.
“Both Tipu Sultan and Hyderali were pure bravehearts and patriots who fought uncompromisingly against the British. They disturbed the sleep of the British and fought four Mysore Wars,” Siddaramaiah stated. He countered his critics, saying, “As soon as we speak of this history, they spread malicious propaganda that Siddaramaiah is doing appeasement politics.”
He invoked Dr. B.R. Ambedkar to underscore the importance of history, quoting, “Those who do not know history cannot create future. We must not forget Ambedkar’s words.”
State Initiatives and Recognition for Kittur
Siddaramaiah also outlined his government’s efforts to secure national recognition for Kittur’s legacy. “It was our government that started the Kittoor Rani Utsav for the first time in 2017,” he reminded the audience.
He praised local MLA Baba Saheb Patil for organizing the festival with great enthusiasm and meaning since being elected. The Chief Minister also revealed two key proposals sent to the central government.
“Our government has sent a proposal to the Central Government to declare the sacred site of Rani Chennamma a national monument. We have also written a letter to the Centre to name the Belagavi airport after Veer Rani Chennamma,” Siddaramaiah said, adding, “The Centre is yet to take a decision on this.”
