Youth congress workers are meant to protect Indian Constitution, integrity of the nation: Siddaramaiah

Mysuru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has said that Youth Congress workers are a young army meant to protect the Constitution and integrity of the nation.

"Freedom, equality, brotherhood, tolerance, co-existence, and Indian Constitution is our breath and the breath of India too. Only those who have clarity in history and principles of Congress can emerge as good leaders," he said.

Addressing youth KPYCC leaders and workers at the 'Yuva Kranthi' workshop in Mysuru on Saturday, he called on the party to organise such workshops in the districts of the State.

Siddaramaiah said, "The sacrifice of Congress has played a vital role in the Indian freedom struggle and in building modern India. Congress was born to get rights and social justice for the citizens of this country."

He said Sangha Parivar never participated in the freedom movement. "Now they speak about patriotism. Savarkar and M S Golwalkar were against Ambedkar's Constitution. The way Mahatma Gandhi led the freedom movement, Jawaharlal Nehru laid a strong foundation for Ambedkar's Constitution," he added.

He said, "In a country with diversity, the contribution made by Nehru in bringing about unity, integrity, and harmony is immense. The caste system inspired by 'Manusmrithi' divided Indian society. Youth should know about this history. We need to have clarity on why we are building Congress and how RSS, Sangh Parvar are against diversity and the Indian Constitution. Those who have clarity will last for long in the Congress party," he said.

Siddaramaiah added that power should not be concentrated in the hands of the rich and powerful.

"It should be in the hands of the common people. Congress is giving power and opportunities to people but BJP is giving it only to the powerful. This is against the Constitution. Hence they hate the Indian Constitution. During my both tenures as CM, I have brought programmes to reduce the inequality of people. Everyone should be strengthened economically and socially. The aspiration of 'Sarvodaya' is to strengthen even the last man in the society."

He said Youth Congress leaders should be aware of those who sow the seeds of superstition in the name of God.

"We should see the presence of God in terms of Basavanna through our work and action. BJP leaders lie in the name of Dharma. People of the nation should know this," he added.

The Chief Minister pointed out that Ambedkar had clearly said that it was Savarkar and Dange who defeated him in the election. "You need to have clarity and commitment," he said.

"Rama Jois of the BJP had approached the Court opposing the reservation quota given by Rajiv Gandhi. The Supreme Court upheld the amendment brought by Rajiv Gandhi as Constitutional. BJP had even opposed the Mandal Commission report," he informed.

Social Welfare Minister H C Mahadevappa said that 42% of the population of India are youth between the age group of 18 to 35 years. They have a vital role in building the country. Youth Congress leaders must be aware of the aspirations of the Indian Constitution, Congress, and its history to evolve in the party and for the success of the party.

Congress leaders Ramesh Kumar, MLA Harishgowda, Mysuru District Congress President B J Vijaykumar and City President Murthy participated in the event.