Anti-conversion bill blow to Basavanna’s ideals: Vishwanath

NT Correspondent

Mysuru: Senior BJP MLC Mr Adagur H Vishwanath has opposed the Anti Conversion Bill presented by the BJP government in the Assembly and remarked, “It’s a blow to the philosophy of Basavanna. It won’t lead to any development. Let them seek opinions before implementing it.”

Vishwanath was speaking at a press meet in Mysuru on Thursday. He said, “Dr BR Ambedkar has framed a Constitution which gives us the right to follow the religion of one’s choice. In the 12th century, Basavanna propounded humanity and equality. It’s an irony that Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai who carries the same name, is all set to break the ‘Maanava dharma’ propounded by Basavanna. Congress leaders as usual are playing a double game and claim they were not in the assembly when the bill was presented. I also wonder why the seers of mutts who follow Basavanna’s philosophy are silent. Litterateurs and thinkers are not opening their mouth, and have confined themselves to Rajyotsava awards,” he quipped.

Reacting to the Belagavi incidents, he said, “I wonder why Belagavi leaders are silent on the activities of MES followers. Have Kannidigas not voted for them? The MES must be banned,” he demanded.

On Rangayana director Mr Addanda Kaaryappa’s statements about theatre lovers and others, Vishwanath said, “So far none of the directors of Rangayana have imposed their philosophies on others. As a director of an organization like Rangayana, he must be careful while using his words.”