Siddu opposes Modi equating casteism, regionalism

Bengaluru, NT Bureau: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday took offence to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on Vijayadashmi in New Delhi equating casteism and regionalism as ills that should be eliminated.

The Congress bigwig saw the comments as a subtle opposition to the federal structure that saw India as a union of states. He added that Modi spoke at length about eradicating casteism but said little about how to do it.

“What message is the Prime Minister trying to send by equating casteism and regionalism? The constitution itself states that India is not just a country but a union of states. Under our federal structure, every state possesses diversity in language, culture, customs and ideas of their own. Does getting rid of regionalism mean the destruction of diversity?” Siddaramaiah asked.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi must clarify his stand," he added.