We need to be vigilant against vested interests dividing society on communal lines: Karnataka CM

“We all need to be vigilant enough to see that we do not fall prey to the designs of vested interests who seek to create divisions among us,” Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said in Belagavi on December 16.

After visiting the Fatima Cathedral in the Camp area in Belagavi, he said, “There are systematic efforts by vested interests to create social divisions in society. But we need to be careful against them. No religion teaches hatred and violence. Love and compassion are the essence of all religions. Moreover, our Constitution calls us to build a secular society. We need to realize this and act in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.”

“We live in a multicultural, multilingual society with people belonging to many religions. There are people from many castes and religions in our country. Everyone needs to live in unity and harmony. We need to build a humane society based on love.

“Youth should embrace the scientific approach and rational thinking. Our constitution attaches great importance to building a secular society, and our education system should also support this. Everyone should work together to build a society that provides equal opportunities and defends socialism.”

The CM appreciated the contribution of the Christian community in the field of education, health and social services. He said their efforts were in line with the constitutional vision of an inclusive and caring society.

He interacted with students, met priests and members of the diocese, and cut a cake to celebrate the Christmas spirit.

“Christmas is a holiday of joy and brotherhood. We all need to celebrate it together. It gives us the message of unity and harmony. We need to understand and empathize with people of other faiths. We all need to work in unity for an equal society based on love and tolerance.”

He urged young people to develop a spirit of inquiry, scientific temperament and critical thinking.

Bishop Derek Fernandes, president of the diocese, said that the government led by Mr. Siddaramaiah has introduced various programs and schemes for the welfare and development of poor communities. He said the State Government has continuously supported the church’s initiatives and expressed its concerns across Karnataka.

Minister KJ George, MLC Ivan D’Souza, MLA and CM’s legal advisor AS Ponnanna, MLAs Ashok Pattan, Mahantesh Koujalagi, Asif (Raju) Sait, former MLA Firose sait, Rev. Fr. Community leaders like Pramod Kumar, Louis Rodrigues and others were present.