Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Wednesday termed the caste system as the main source of inequality and discrimination in society, and urged people from backward, oppressed, and marginalised communities to embrace education as a weapon to secure equal rights and opportunities.

"The caste system is the root cause of inequality. For centuries, Shudras were denied education and opportunities. Had they enjoyed equal access, society would not have been so unequal. That is why reformers like Buddha, Basavanna, and Ambedkar stressed the importance of education for the oppressed. Education is the only tool to fight inequality and claim your rightful place in society. You must all get educated and fight for your rights," he said.

He was addressing a mass gathering organised by the Karnataka Pradesh Kurubagonda Sangha and the Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Youth Organisation at Sharanabasaveshwara Jatra Maidan in Kalaburagi.

Recalling his own efforts, Mr. Siddaramaiah said most welfare programmes during his first term as Chief Minister and the guarantee schemes of his current term were aimed at creating equal opportunities.

"The caste system is deep-rooted, and uprooting it is not so easy. Society is stagnant because of the caste system, preventing its progress. Basavanna and the Sharanas fought against caste in the 12th century through Anubhava Mantapa, where all communities were provided with equal opportunities," he noted.

On the ongoing social and educational survey of backward classes, Mr. Siddaramaiah said the exercise was essential to design appropriate policies.

"In 2014, I had ordered the first survey to assess the socio-economic and educational status of backward communities. When the Kantharaj Commission submitted its report, I was no longer in power to implement it. Later, when I came to power and showed interest, some objected that it was a decade-old report and demanded a fresh one. The commission is now conducting it, and I urge all of you to participate actively," he said.

On the demand to include the Kuruba community in the Scheduled Tribes list, the Chief Minister said the Union government had rejected the State's earlier recommendation for Bidar, Kalaburagi, and Yadgir districts.

"Gondas are already listed as STs. Our recommendation to include Kurubas in Bidar, Kalaburagi and Yadgir was turned down by the Union government. I will address the clarifications sought and send the proposal again," he assured.

Concluding his speech, Mr. Siddaramaiah reiterated his commitment to social justice. "I have always done politics for social justice. I will continue this fight, whether or not I remain in power. I seek your continued support for this cause," he said.

Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, IT&BT Minister and Kalaburagi in-charge, Priyank Kharge, Urban Development Minister Byrathi Suresh, Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Board chairperson Ajay Singh, and others were present.

Caste system root of inequality, says Chief Minister Siddaramaiah