Mysuru: Union minister of state Shobha Karandlaje Friday criticised Mysuru district in-charge minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah for asserting that India should not become a Hindu nation.India’s cultural and religious heritage must be respected and preserved, she told reporters after offering prayers at Chamundi Hills temple during Ashadha Friday celebrations.Shobha asked Yathindra to seek guidance from his mother regarding their family’s identity, culture, religion and traditions. “His mother will provide him with the correct answer,” she said.Former deputy chief minister KS Eshwarappa also defended the concept of India as a Hindu nation while responding to Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s statement that the country should not become a Hindu nation.Speaking to reporters at Chamundi Hills, Eshwarappa said India is the only nation for Hindus, while several countries have identified themselves as Muslim or Christian nations. He asserted that no individual could prevent India from becoming a Hindu nation and remarked that “as long as the sun and moon exist, this will remain a Hindu nation.”Expressing confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Eshwarappa said crores of people were waiting to see India emerge as a Hindu nation.On speculation over his return to BJP, Eshwarappa said discussions were underway with senior party leaders regarding his re-entry. He clarified that he had only offered suggestions and had not placed any conditions before the party.Stating that BJP “is in my blood,” he said he had no intention of joining any other political party, though organisational reforms were needed to further strengthen BJP.Vaidya on cabinet berthFormer minister Mankal Vaidya, speaking to reporters at Chamundi Hills, expressed disappointment over not being included in the state cabinet. He said chief minister DK Shivakumar had initially informed him that he would be inducted, but later conveyed that the ministerial berth had not been allotted to him. Vaidya said he did not know the reason for the change but was satisfied that he had served as a minister for three years without facing any allegations.
