Puttur, Mar 14: Brushing aside the allegations against Karnataka government of being anti-Hindu, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that his government never acted against the constitution. “We are against communalism but not against any particular community or religion,” the CM said at a public meeting here on Saturday.
Inaugurating the mini Vidhana Soudha constructed here at a cost of Rs 9.27 crore on Saturday, CM said followers of every religion have the right to propagate and profess the same. But in doing so, no one will be permitted to sight or defame another religion or beliefs contained therein and vitiate communal amity.
Stressing the need for peaceful coexistence of all religions, Siddaramaiah said anyone trying to use religion for narrow political gains will be dealt with strictly.
Reminding the audience there can be no development without amity, the CM is an oblique reference to recent disturbances in the taluk in the aftermath on one such religious meet held here said there is also an attempt in this part of the state to 'morally police' society.
Noting that no such terminology exists in law books and he did not come across one such word when he practiced as a lawyer, CM said police have been instructed to deal with anyone who indulges in it, firmly. The government is also committed to ensuring that there are no communal outbreaks in society, he said adding that the government will also adopt a zero tolerance policy towards any attack on religious institutions of any religion by anyone.
"The Hindu religion believes in the tenets of universal tolerance of all religions," he said, adding this fact is lost on a section of society that considers the Hindus as their fiefdom. "No community can be the fiefdom of any one," he said.
The CM said that certain sections in the state in general and coastal districts in particular are baselessly alleging that his government is anti-majority and seeks to only appease the minorities. “All are equal for us,” he added.
Earlier, interacting with reporters on arrival at Mottethadka helipad, the CM defended the burgeoning loan size of the government. "We are empowered to borrow up to 25% of the state's GDP," he said, adding the state has touched 24.5% and is well within the limits. "We also have enacted the Fiscal Responsibility Act and our borrowings are also in line with recommendations made by the 14th Finance Commission, he said adding the government will not transgress the limit.
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