Mysuru: Chief minister Siddaramaiah has dismissed BJP’s allegations that caste categorisation within the Christian community is aimed at encouraging conversions. He said conversions happen due to inequality in society, not govt action.“If there is equality and equal opportunities, would conversions happen?” he asked at Mysuru airport Saturday.Siddaramaiah clarified that only a person’s current caste is recorded after conversion, adding that while conversions are not desirable, they are often driven by social reasons and are an individual’s right. “How did untouchability come into practice? Have we created untouchability?” he said.Opposition BJP had accused the Congress govt of creating 47 new Christian castes, claiming this was a ploy to divide Hindus and promote conversions. The saffron party also alleged that the govt was working to weaken Hindu society.Siddaramaiah defends Rs 5 Lakh ex gratiaSiddaramaiah defended the Rs 5 lakh ex gratia announced for families of victims of the Hassan truck crash, saying it is meant to console grieving kin, not replace lives. He was responding to BJP’s demand to raise it to Rs 10 lakh.“The aid ensures families don’t face financial difficulties initially,” Siddaramaiah said, adding that most victims were labourers and students from economically backward families. He directed Hassan district in-charge minister Krishna Byre Gowda to visit them.Siddaramaiah said the govt has implemented road safety laws and measures, and blamed the accident on the driver’s error. “How can the govt be held responsible?” he asked, offering prayers for the bereaved.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also condoled the deaths of nine people and announced Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin and Rs 50,000 for the injured from the PM National Relief Fund. “The mishap…is heart-rending,” the PMO posted on X.
