Besides simple marriages, inter-caste weddings should be encouraged, given the prevailing social conditions in India, said Leader of Opposition party Siddaramaiah.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 95th monthly ‘mass marriage’, organised by Jagadguru Sri Veerasimhasana Mahasamsthana Mutt, Suttur, Nanjangud taluk, on Tuesday. “To eradicate caste system and to establish an equal and secular society, inter-caste weddings are much needed. The society is divided into four varnas. Such varna and caste systems should be eradicated,” he said.
Siddaramaiah said that social reformer Basavanna facilitated the wedding between the grooms and brides of upper castes and other castes in the 12th century itself. His reforms were revolutionary, nearly a century ago.
"Basavanna established Anubhava Mantapa for exchange of ideas and opinion, like we have Parliament and Assembly now. Thus, I planned to build the Anubhava Mantapa at Basava Kalyana. But, before it could be initiated, my term ended. Now, the state government has laid the foundation stone for the Anubhava Mantapa. It will be a reality soon.”
He said that Suttur is under his former Assembly constituency ‘Varuna’, now represented by his son Dr Yathindra. “But, even now, I consider Varuna as my home constituency, as I was elected MLA from here, to become chief minister,” he added.
Twenty-three couples entered the wedlock in the presence of seer of Suttur Mutt Shivaratri Deshikendra Swami, Siddeshwara Swamy of Jnana Yogashrama, Vijayapura, and Siddalinga Swamy of Siddaganga Mutt, Tumakuru.
Siddaramaiah shared the dais with District In-charge Minister S T Somashekar after a long-time. It has to be recalled that Somashekar was a close confidant of Siddaramaiah in the Congress. However, he, along with 16 other MLAs, resigned to facilitate the formation of the BJP government, by B S Yediyurappa. Later, he joined the BJP, got re-elected and became minister. Of late, Somashekar has been criticising Siddaramaiah, for his statements against Yediyurappa and the BJP government.