Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called upon people to remain vigilant about the efforts to divide the society in the name of caste and religion.

Speaking after inaugurating the new Sri Lakshmidevi Temple at Shiramahalli village in H. D. Kote taluk, Mr Siddaramaiah said belief in God transcends caste and religious boundaries.

He said the people of Shiramahalli are deeply devoted. “It is our belief that God resides in the idols installed in temples”, he said. 

Social reformer Basavanna and his followers had said that God exists everywhere and in everyone. “In our prayers, we must also seek the welfare of others. The belief in God rises above caste and religion. Every caste and religion teaches that human beings must love one another,” he said.

He said vested interests in society support the caste system and social inequalities. “Attempts are being made to divide society in the name of caste and religion. We must remain vigilant against such divisive forces,” he said.