Former minister KS Eshwarappa at a press conference in Shivamogga on December 8. | Photo credit: SK Dinesh
Former Minister KS Eshwarappa criticized Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his comments on introducing Bhagavad Gita in school curriculum.
“The Chief Minister’s statements show his ideological bankruptcy. Let him study the Bhagavad Gita once,” he said at a press conference in Shivamogga on December 8.
Mr Siddaramaiah called Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy a “manuwadi” for demanding inclusion of the Gita in the school curriculum. Reacting to his statement, Mr. Eshwarappa said, “Bhagavadgita is not meant only for Hindus. It should be read by people of all religions. Can the Chief Minister comment on the Quran or the Bible in the same way?” he asked.
He thanked Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for emphasizing the need to include Bhagavad Gita in the school curriculum. When Mr. Kumaraswamy’s earlier comments critical of the Gita were brought to his attention, Mr. Eshwarappa responded, “What he expressed earlier is not important.”
Responding to a question on the state government’s plan to amend the Karnataka Prevention of Cattle Slaughter and Preservation Act, 2020 at a meeting in Belagavi, Mr. Eshwarappa said the Stop Cattle Slaughter Act should be strengthened and any attempt to weaken it should be opposed. “If the government weakens the law, people will strongly oppose it,” he added.
Published – 08 Dec 2025 18:58 IST
