Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader B L Santosh delivered a significant message on religious harmony during a public address in Karnataka's Malavalli town. Speaking at a major spiritual gathering, the national general secretary of the party underscored the importance of respecting all paths that guide individuals toward truth.
Address at the Suttur Mutt Celebrations
The remarks were made on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Santosh was addressing attendees on the fourth day of the 1,066th Jayanti Mahotsava of Adi Jagadguru Shivaratrishwara Shivayogi Mahaswami. The event was organized by the Suttur Veerasimhasana Mahasansthana Mutt and held in front of Shanthi College in Malavalli town.
His speech, coming from a key figure in the ruling party's national apparatus, placed a clear emphasis on spiritual values over political rhetoric in that setting. The gathering was part of long-running celebrations honoring the legacy of the mutt's revered seer.
Core Message: Truth as the Ultimate Goal
While the exact phrasing of his speech was not fully detailed in the initial report, the core takeaway was Santosh's advocacy for respect towards any religious faith. The central tenet of his address was the idea that any religion which directs its followers toward ultimate truth deserves respect.
This message is particularly notable in Karnataka's diverse socio-religious landscape. It strikes a chord emphasizing unity and mutual respect, themes often highlighted in public discourse but delivered here within a specific religious and cultural context.
Context and Potential Implications
Santosh's appearance at a prominent Lingayat mutt event is significant. The Suttur Mutt is a highly influential religious institution in the state, with a substantial following. Speeches by political leaders in such forums are closely watched for their content and tone.
His call for respecting truth-seeking religions can be interpreted in several ways:
- As a universal message of harmony in a multi-faith society.
- As an appeal to the mutt's followers and the broader community ahead of future political engagements.
- As part of a broader narrative that the BJP often projects, focusing on spiritual and civilizational values.
The event was covered by journalist T R Sathish Kumar, with the report being published on the same day. The location, Malavalli, in Mandya district, adds a regional political dimension to the visit of a national leader.
While the speech avoided direct political commentary, its setting and the leader's profile ensure it will be analyzed for its subtext and potential impact on the party's outreach in the region. The emphasis on "truth" as the common denominator for respect provides a philosophical grounding to the call for interfaith understanding.
