Manuvadis are against Basava’s principles, says CM

Bagalkot: There is no discussion in Mann Ki Baat; it follows a one-sided approach where you must listen to what is said. This is a trait of autocracy, criticised chief minister Siddaramaiah.
Inaugurating Sharanas' Glory-2025 organised by the Kannada and culture department on the occasion of Basava Jayanti in Kudalasangama, Siddaramaiah said: "In a democracy, there is room for discussion. In an autocracy, there is no room for discussion; it is only ‘I speak, you listen'. The approach of Mann Ki Baat is an autocratic attitude."
"Vachanas of Sharanas are in the people's language. Therefore, vachana literature has become people's literature. In the past, if a Shudra learned Sanskrit, they were punished by pouring molten lead into their ears. This deprived the Indian Shudra community of literary culture. Due to a lack of education, inequality grew," he analysed.
He further said, "Our Constitution is implemented in a society with contradictions. Due to democracy, from the President to the common labourer, everyone has the same right to vote, which is political freedom. However, social and economic freedom is still not achieved. Without this, political freedom is meaningless."
He regretted that if he tried to implement the aspirations and values of Basavadi Sharanas, some would obstruct and oppose it. "Manuvadis are against Basava's principles. The Anubhava Mantapa, established 900 years ago, was the first centre of democracy. Economic inequality breeds slavery. The economic principles of Kayaka and Dasoha given by Basavadi Sharanas, if followed, give meaning to the celebration of Basava Jayanti," he discussed.