In a sharp critique of certain unconventional practices, BJP's national organising general secretary, BL Santosh, has taken an indirect swipe at Karnataka's Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi. Santosh labelled the minister's annual "graveyard stay" programme and the solemnisation of weddings in cemeteries as "strange" activities that cause harm to societal fabric.
Critique of Unconventional Practices
The remarks were delivered by Santosh on Tuesday evening during the inauguration ceremony of Siddheshwar Swamiji's Gurudev Tapovan in Aralikatti village, located in Hukkeri taluk. He asserted that such acts, far from benefiting society or the practitioners themselves, ultimately lead to negative consequences. Minister Jarkiholi organises the "graveyard stay" every year on December 6, which marks the death anniversary of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, as part of a campaign aimed at eradicating blind faith and superstition.
To illustrate his point, Santosh drew a cultural parallel. He mentioned that during the festival of Navaratri, it is customary to worship Goddess Chamundi. He then posed a rhetorical question about the societal reaction if someone chose to worship Ravana instead. "Ravana was killed by Rama for violating social boundaries. Such perversions create serious problems in society," Santosh remarked. He further added that while there might not be an exact Kannada term for such tendencies, they are often described as "wokeists" in English. He issued a warning, stating that society faces multiple challenges when individuals with such ideologies assume positions of power.
Tapovan Inauguration and Political Undertones
Shifting focus to the event at hand, Santosh commented on the inauguration of the Gurudev Tapovan. He noted that some leaders were conspicuously absent from the stage due to various pressures, a fact he claimed was known to the organisers. Despite this, he declared the programme a resounding success, exceeding expectations. "Those who stayed away due to political considerations will soon understand the importance of this Tapovan," he stated confidently.
Santosh emphasised that the newly inaugurated Tapovan would serve as a positive force, countering attempts to dilute religious values and simultaneously promoting social harmony. However, in a nuanced addition, he also cautioned against the mixing of politics with religion, highlighting a need for balance.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event witnessed a significant gathering of political and spiritual leaders. Prominent figures present included BJP state president BY Vijayendra, Sadashivananda Bharati Swamiji of Shivananda Brihanmatha Mahasamsthan, and Chandrashekhar Shivacharya Swamiji of Hukkeri Hiremath. The political cadre was well-represented by former MP Ramesh Katti, MLAs Abhay Patil, Mahesh Tenginkai, and Nikhil Katti. RSS leader Arvind Rao Deshpande, local leader Basavaraj Hundri, and several other dignitaries also graced the occasion.
The critique from a senior BJP functionary like Santosh adds a new dimension to the ongoing discourse around traditional practices versus modern campaigns in Karnataka's socio-political landscape, setting the stage for further debate.
