Karnataka CM to BJP: You can protest but I’ll have beef if I want to
Bengaluru: Joining the raging country-wide debate over beef consumption, Chief Minister, Siddaramaiah hit back at his BJP counterparts on Sunday stating that he would consume beef if likes to as it was permissible under the Constitution.
Siddaramaiah's statement assumes significance in the wake of BJP leaders warning that they would launch a state-wide agitation against him and are mulling legal action against him on his statement. Speaking to reporters during the diamond jubilee celebrations of Karnataka Rajyotsava, he said, “Who are they (BJP leaders) to stop me or force their choice on me? I have not eaten beef so far, but I am free to eat whenever and whatever I like. This is my fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution.”
The Chief Minister said the BJP has a legacy of infringing on constitutional rights, therefore, they can never understand the depth of his statement.
“If BJP wants to stage a dharna or politicise this issue, I am ready to face it. I will not withdraw my statement,” he declared. Siddarmaiah said that the country was witnessing unprecedented intolerance towards eating habits.
“This has been evident in the past too whenever BJP comes to power, the right wing starts showing signs of intolerance,” the Chief Minister said.
He appealed to the education department to introduce lessons on morality, which emphasise on secularism and unity.
