I am not an atheist, avers Siddaramaiah

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday said he was not a ‘naasthika’ (atheist), but some people were trying to defame him by spreading false information about him.

Delivering the valedictory speech of the three-day 10th ‘Maha Kumbha Mela’ at Triveni Sangama here, the chief minister said he opposed superstitions, which did not mean he was a ‘naasthika’.

“I have faith in observing religious rituals. I have visited Tirupati and Male Mahadeshwara Betta. But I do not go to the Himalayas in search of God. I see everything in a scientific and religious perspective. A few people are projecting me as anti-religious as I strongly oppose blind beliefs,” he said.

“I have been participating in Veera Makkala Kunita, a folk dance form performed during festivals like Shivaratri and Ugadi. I would have been an illiterate, busy with Puja Kunita and other religious activities in the village, if Rajappa master (CM’s teacher) had not admitted me to school. When this is the situation, how is it possible for me to be a naasthika,” he questioned.

“Always indulging in sinful activities and taking a holy dip in Triveni Sangama will not wash away your sins. Be human, respect other communities and religions,” Siddaramaiah said.
The State government, led by the Congress, will neither oppose rituals nor hurt the sentiments of the people. But, the government will concentrate more on promoting human values. Showing respect for others is dharma, he said.

Seers Shivaratri Deshikendra of Suttur mutt, Nirmalanandanatha of Sri Adichunchanagiri mutt, Mukthidananda of Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Public Works Minister Dr H C Mahadevappa, Co-operation Minister H S Mahadev Prasad and MP R Dhruvanarayan were present.