Aspire to establish horizontal society by eradicating vertical caste system: Siddaramaiah
Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that it was the aspiration of Basavadi Sharanas to establish a horizontal society by eradicating the vertical caste system, adding this was his aspiration as well.
The Chief Minister said this while speaking after inaugurating the Basava Jayanti programme organised by Akhila Bharatha Veerashaiva Lingayat Mahasabha, Veerashaiva-Lingayat Sanghas and Mysore Federation of Basava Balagas at Mysore Kalamandir.
“Basavadi Sharanas created awareness among the Shudra communities. Allama Prabhu who was from the deprived class was the president of the Anubhava Mantapa. Thus, Basavadi Sharanas were able to implement the democratic system in the 12th century itself. Basavanna conducted inter-caste marriages during that period itself. It was for this reason that Bijjala was pitted against Basavanna,” he said.
The Karnataka CM said the aspirations of the 12th-century sharanas are yet to be fulfilled.
“Even after 76 years of Independence, the aspirations of democracy and Constitution have not been fulfilled and inequality still prevails.
“BR Ambedkar had warned about this possibility during the implementation of the Constitution. The same caution was given by Basavanna and Basavadi sharanas as well in the 12th century itself,” the CM said.
“Society should not be divided on the basis of castes. We should become Vishwa manavas. It was Basavanna’s wish that a hierarchical society must go and a horizontal society must exist,” the CM said.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that the demands put forward by the Veerashaiva-Lingayat community will be considered in the next budget.
“I am sincerely trying to follow the path of Basavadi Sharanas. Sharanas practised what they preached. I am also fulfilling our vows as promised,” he said.