Contending that there was more harmony in the society when the rate of literacy was less, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday wondered if the increase in literacy and education among people had contributed to disturbing the harmony in the society.
Speaking at an interaction programme organised after the release of a book titled “Siddaramaiah’s administration: Policies and Decisions” brought by Janamana Foundation at Kalamandira in Mysuru, the former Chief Minister pointed out that the rate of literacy in the country was no more than 16 per cent at the time of Independence. But, now when the rate of literacy has climbed to 78 per cent and made a lot more people educated, he felt that the harmony in the society had taken a hit. “Does it mean literacy and education has made people succumb to casteism and communalism?”, Mr Siddaramaiah asked the audience that had gathered to participate in an interaction programme with him.
Reacting to a query on the Congress party’s muted response to issues like “Hijab, Halal and Azan”, Mr Siddaramaiah said the party needed more clarity on the issues, but said the society cannot be ruined in the name of Hindutva.
