Former Minister K.S. Eshwarappa has strongly condemned Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for his recent statements on the Bhagavad Gita and for using what he termed “derogatory” language against Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Eshwarappa alleged that the Chief Minister is “losing the dignity of his office” and speaking irresponsibly out of desperation to appease Muslim voters.
Addressing reporters in Shivamogga, Eshwarappa said he was deeply hurt and angered by Siddaramaiah’s comments labelling those who study the Bhagavad Gita as “Manuvadis.” Calling the remarks unacceptable, he demanded that the Chief Minister issue an unconditional public apology.
Eshwarappa strongly defended the spiritual and intellectual significance of the Gita. “The Bhagavad Gita has shaped the lives of crores around the world. Even Mahatma Gandhi drew strength from it,” he said. “A man occupying the highest seat in Karnataka should respect such a sacred text, not insult it by calling its readers’ Manuvadis’.”
He further challenged Siddaramaiah’s selective criticism:
“Let him show the courage to make such statements about the Quran or the Bible. He cannot remain in office even for a minute if he dares to do so,” Eshwarappa said, alleging that the CM only targets Hindu scriptures “to please his vote bank.”
Calling the Chief Minister’s remarks “crazy and irresponsible”, Eshwarappa said the political downfall of Siddaramaiah had already begun. “What connection does Babur have with this country?”
Continuing his criticism, Eshwarappa questioned Siddaramaiah’s stance regarding Babur and the Babri Masjid. “What relationship does Babur have with India?” he asked. “The Babri structure was built by misusing Hindu society. If anyone tries to rebuild a Babur Masjid again, Hindus will not allow it. It will be demolished again.”
He urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure that Mathura and Kashi are “returned to Hindus” and that temple construction is undertaken.
Eshwarappa also targeted the Congress government’s move to amend the Cow Slaughter Prevention Act, calling it proof of the party’s “anti-Hindu mindset.” He remarked sarcastically that “only the daughters of Congress leaders are opposing the law,” indicating internal contradictions within the party.
Speaking strongly against Siddaramaiah’s comments on Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Eshwarappa said, “In this country, we see women in the position of a mother. Using abusive words against a woman, that too while being the Chief Minister, is unpardonable.”
Smt. @nsitharaman Ji is Bharat's first full-time Finance Minister and remains in the race to become the longest-serving leader to hold that portfolio.
And to refer to her as “that Nirmala Sitharaman”… is absolutely in bad taste.
Despite Sonia Gandhi or Priyanka Vadra not… https://t.co/7mMQe4AxjW
— BhikuMhatre (@MumbaichaDon) December 7, 2025
He reminded that even he felt pain when a case was filed against Siddaramaiah’s wife, but that did not justify attacking women with crude words. “Let Siddaramaiah apologise to Nirmala Sitharaman immediately, or he will lose the Chief Minister’s chair in a couple of days,” he warned.
Eshwarappa also criticised former CM H.D. Kumaraswamy, recalling that he too once called the Bhagavad Gita “madness,” but added that “such madness has now stopped.”
“If Hate Speech Bill is passed, Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar will go to jail first “Turning his focus to the Congress government’s proposed Hate Speech Bill, Eshwarappa said the legislation would backfire on the ruling leaders. “If this bill becomes law, the first people to go to jail will be Siddaramaiah and DK Shivakumar,” he predicted.
