Noting that the development of a nation cannot be achieved through religious fundamentalism, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that a country can witness growth only through scientific and technological progress and by imbibing rational thoughts.

In his address to the State, which was telecast on Doordarshan on Tuesday to mark the 67th Republic Day celebrations, Siddaramaiah said that building a nation on the sentiments of religious nationalism was “dangerous” and anti-democratic. This was also detrimental to a country’s economic prosperity.

Making a reference to the debates on ‘intolerance’, which is being widely discussed across the country, Siddaramaiah said that it was however unfortunate that attempts were being made to suppress the voices of those (progressive thinkers, litterateurs, artists, etc) who became vocal about the issue.

“Intolerance has been prevalent for ages in one form or the other. However, it is only in the recent past that people have begun to talk about it. But there is severe criticism OF such voices, which is being considered as a crime. This is wrong in a healthy society. Tolerance towards scientific and social thoughts is the beauty of democracy,” he added.

Quoting former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Siddaramaiah said that politics and religion had become outdated and that this was an era of science and spiritualism. “The Constitution also says the same. But despite all this, more and more people are succumbing to superstition and superstitious beliefs. This is an impediment to the development of a country,” he said.