New Delhi: In a fiery address on Monday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a robust critique against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), asserting that his removal from power would be impossible as long as he enjoys the support of the people. His remarks came during a ceremony in Koujalagi town, Belagavi district, where he inaugurated a statue of the renowned freedom fighter Sangolli Rayanna and the Rayanna Fort.Siddaramaiah pays tribute to Sangolli Rayannas braveryAt the event, which was graced by several notable figures including Ministers Lakshmi Hebbalkar and Satish Jarkiholi, and MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi, Siddaramaiah spoke passionately about the legacy of Sangolli Rayanna. He described Rayanna as a valiant warrior who played a crucial role in defending Rani Chennammas court against British forces. Siddaramaiah remarked, “Sangolli Rayanna, a loyal warrior of Rani Chennamma, was a valiant hero. When the British attacked Rani Chennammas court, it was Rayannas fight and bravery that led to victory.”From Rayanna to SiddaramaiahSiddaramaiah also recounted Rayannas subsequent struggle, noting that despite his initial victories, Rayanna was eventually betrayed by his own people and captured by the British. “Even though he lost the second battle, Rayanna escaped the clutches of the British and formed a guerrilla army, continuing to wage guerrilla warfare that troubled the British greatly. However, it was our own people who betrayed Rayanna and handed him over to the British. They knew that Rayanna would not be armed while swimming, making it easy to capture him... it was our people who gave the British this idea,” Siddaramaiah explained.Drawing a parallel to the present, Siddaramaiah accused the BJP of attempting to undermine his leadership. “Such traitors still exist among us. The BJP is continuously plotting to dethrone Siddaramaiah. But as long as I have your blessings, it is impossible to remove me from power,” he asserted.Criticism of BJPs ideologyFurther, Siddaramaiah criticized the BJPs perceived ideology, claiming it reflects an outdated view that members of backward communities should not hold significant political power. “The BJPs ancient ideology is that a person from the backward community should not become the CM or hold power. That is why they are hatching a dangerous conspiracy against me even though I have done nothing wrong. However, as long as the peoples blessings are with me, their conspiracy will not succeed,” he added.Ongoing political tensionsThe BJP has vowed to sustain its protests until Siddaramaiah resigns. This follows Governor Thaawarchand Gehlots decision to authorize an investigation into Siddaramaiah related to the MUDA land scam. The political standoff highlights the intense scrutiny and conflict surrounding Siddaramaiahs administration.
