Karnataka Minister Santosh Lad Urges Maratha Unity, Vows to Elevate Community Beyond Politics
Bidar, Nov 30 – In a powerful address to a massive community gathering, Karnataka’s Minister for Labour and in-charge of Dharwad district, Santosh S. Lad, issued a clarion call for unity and selfless service within the Maratha community, urging them to transcend politics and focus on educational and economic empowerment.
The minister was speaking at a district-level ‘Swaabhimaani’ (Self-Respect) Maratha conference held at the Ganesh Maidan in Bidar, which saw an unprecedented turnout.
‘ರಾಜಕೀಯ ಅಲ್ಲ, ಸಮಾಜಸೇವೆ ಮುಖ್ಯ’; ಮರಾಠಾ ಐಕ್ಯತೆಗೆ ಸಂತೋಷ್ ಲಾಡ್ ಕರೆ
A Call for Collective Action
Minister Lad began by lauding the organizers for successfully uniting the community. “This programme is special. I have come to Bidar many times and have always spoken about the need for our community leaders to organize and unite. Now, the time has come,” Lad stated. “All the community leaders have worked with dedication and brought our people together. I thank you for this.”
He emphasized that the primary objective of the gathering was to build a stronger community. “The very purpose of our meeting here is to build our society, to identify our poor brethren, to educate them, and to help them. We have all come together with this aim,” he said. 
Drawing Inspiration from Historical Figures
Lad drew upon the legacy of historical icons to outline a path of secularism and social justice. He clarified that Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a secular leader who fought against the Mughal empire, not against Muslims. “We must understand this,” he told the audience.
He also highlighted the community’s role in supporting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. “It was the kings of our community, Gaekwad and Shahu Maharaj, who helped Babasaheb Ambedkar go to London for higher studies. It was with their help that Ambedkar studied abroad and returned to become the great social reformer the world recognizes.”
Education Over Politics, Pledge for Support
The minister made a clear distinction between social work and political ambition. “This is not a political rally. It is not a show of strength. It is a demonstration of our unity,” Lad asserted. He stressed that true political power would be a natural consequence of social and economic strength.
“When we become strong educationally and economically, politics will follow on its own. Let us take a decision today. Let us take a pledge today to work for the society. Only then will our community see significant progress,” he urged.
To achieve this, Lad announced his unwavering personal support. “I am ready to come here every month. I will support you. But we all must become one, we must be united. There is no place for politics here.” He pledged to help establish and run a trust in the name of Jijabai, Shivaji Maharaj’s mother. “I will start the Jijabai Trust and help run it. I will provide all assistance,” he promised, adding his goal was to make it the “Number One Trust in North Karnataka.” 
A Personal Commitment to the Marginalized
Striking a personal chord, Lad expressed his pride in his origins and his commitment to serving the underprivileged. “Wherever I go in the state, I see our Maratha community members in distress. I feel I have accrued good karma to be born in the Maratha community. I am proud to say it,” he shared.
He framed his political career as a means to a social end. “I am in politics to wipe the tears of the poor. As long as God gives me strength, I will work for the oppressed.” Acknowledging the support of the community, he added, “You have given me a great responsibility, and for that, I need your continued cooperation. It is with your support that I stand here today.”
The conference concluded with a resolve to strengthen the community from the grassroots level, with a focus on village, taluk, and district-level unity, setting a new precedent for social mobilization in the region. 
