Congress believes in Gandhian Hindutva: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday, 21 January, emphasised that Mahatma Gandhi was a staunch believer in Hinduism, asserting that the Congress embraces “Gandhi’s Hindutva” — an ideology rooted in inclusivity, tolerance and reform, standing in stark contrast to divisive narratives propagated by the BJP.

Speaking at the unveiling of Mahatma Gandhi's statue outside the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi, Siddaramaiah dismissed the BJP’s portrayal of Gandhi as ‘anti-Hindu’ as “100 per cent false”.

The event also commemorated the centenary of the historic 1924 Congress session — the only one presided over by Gandhi.

Siddaramaiah highlighted Gandhi’s unwavering connection to his faith, stating, “Mahatma Gandhi constantly invoked Lord Rama. Even at the moment of his assassination by Nathuram Godse, his last words were ‘Hey Ram’. If that doesn’t reflect his devout Hinduism, what does?”

He noted that Gandhi’s vision of Hinduism, however, was never about exclusion but about reform and harmony: “Gandhi wanted Hindus and Muslims to coexist as brothers. His Hindutva was defined by love, tolerance and reform, unlike the divisive ideologies propagated by the BJP, which are rooted in Manuvad [the doctrines of the Manusmriti],” he said.

The chief minister accused the BJP of systematically undermining Gandhi’s ideals and attempting to erode the Constitution. He reaffirmed the Congress’ dedication to safeguarding the Constitution and democracy.

“If we protect the Constitution, it will protect us,” Siddaramaiah said, emphasising the importance of secularism and inclusivity as the foundation of the Indian nation.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge echoed these sentiments, holding up Gandhi’s enduring influence as the moral compass of India.

“Without the Constitution, there would have been anarchy. Gandhi’s sacrifices, his principles and his message of unity are as relevant today as ever,” Kharge remarked.

By championing ‘Gandhi’s Hindutva’, the Congress seems to be reclaiming the discourse on Hinduism, challenging the BJP’s narrative with a vision of unity in diversity and reform.