Tumakuru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has stated that social change is impossible if people continue to vote based on caste. He remarked, “Some voters support a leader solely because he belongs to their caste, without knowing whether he is people-centric or politically knowledgeable. On the other hand, some refuse to vote for competent leaders simply because they do not belong to their caste.”

The CM was speaking at the inauguration of the Siddhartha Education Society’s Quest Education Academy on Friday (Nov 22). Highlighting the issue of social and educational backwardness, Siddaramaiah said, “Even those with professional degrees like doctors and engineers continue to cling to superstitions and outdated practices. What kind of education is this? Basavanna rejected the concept of karma theory, but today, some people follow karma theory in Basavanna’s name. Without scientific and rational education, it is impossible to nurture human values.”

He emphasized that education is essential for development and self-respect. However, he lamented that many educated individuals lack social sensitivity and humanitarian values. He questioned the purpose of education if it perpetuates casteism and discrimination.

Siddaramaiah further pointed out the historical struggles to secure the right to education, particularly for marginalized groups like Shudras and women, who were deliberately excluded in the past. “The right to education didn’t come easily. It is the result of relentless struggle. Now, this education must be rational and scientific,” he asserted.

Addressing the audience, he said, “Some educated people still say, ‘He is not from my caste, so I won’t vote for him,’ while others say, ‘He is from my caste, so I’ll vote for him,’ without assessing the leader’s political awareness, capability, or concern for people. Do we need education to make such caste-based decisions?”

Prominent leaders, including Home Minister Dr. G. Parameshwara, District-in-Charge Minister H.C. Mahadevappa, Animal Husbandry Minister K. Venkatesh, and MLAs Tanveer Sait and Krishnamurthy attended the event. The head of the institution, Kanika Parameshwari, was also present along with other dignitaries.