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Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah: I Eat Non-Veg on Festivals, Reject Auspicious Timings

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah declared he eats non-vegetarian food even on festivals like Shivaratri and Ugadi, challenging traditional dietary taboos. He made these remarks in the Assembly while defending his decision to present the state budget, stating he does not believe in 'auspicious' or 'inauspicious' timings like Rahu Kaal. The statement came in response to criticism from BJP leader R. Ashoka, who had questioned the budget's presentation time. Siddaramaiah emphasized his rationalist stance, asserting that all days are the same and faith is a personal choice.

Key Points: Karnataka CM Eats Non-Veg on Festivals, Rejects Auspicious Timings

  • CM eats non-veg on Shivaratri & Ugadi
  • Rejects belief in Rahu Kaal, Gulika Kaal
  • Defends budget timing amid opposition criticism
  • Stresses faith is a personal matter
3 min read

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says he eats non-veg on festivals, rejects belief in 'auspicious' timings

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah says he eats non-veg on Shivaratri & Ugadi, rejects belief in Rahu Kaal. He defends presenting budget without checking auspicious timings.

"I have never checked whether a time is auspicious or inauspicious... I do (eat non-vegetarian food on Ugadi or Shivaratri) - Siddaramaiah"

Bengaluru, March 25

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Wednesday that he eats non-vegetarian food even on festive occasions such as Shivaratri and Ugadi, and that he does not care about reservations regarding the practice.

"For me, all days are the same. It is my choice to eat non-vegetarian food on those days," the Chief Minister added.

Siddaramaiah made the controversial statement on the floor of the State Assembly after being criticised by Leader of the Opposition and veteran Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, R. Ashoka, for presenting the state Budget at an "auspicious" time, taking into account Hindu traditional time periods such as 'Rahu Kaal' and 'Gulika Kaal'.

The Chief Minister is widely known for his rationalist, agnostic, and anti-superstition stance, often challenging traditional religious customs despite not identifying as a staunch atheist.

He has historically broken taboos, such as visiting "jinxed" cities, presenting budgets during rahu kaal, and promoting anti-superstition laws.

Responding to the criticism, Siddaramaiah said, "It is true that the Budget was presented at an auspicious time as per Hindu traditional timekeeping. We have to consider advice from people like you (R. Ashoka). Earlier, I had presented Budgets during Rahu Kaal, which is considered inauspicious. This time, my family members and officials advised me not to present it during Rahu Kaal and to do so a little earlier."

"I am a person who believes in democracy," he added.

At this point, R. Ashoka and other Opposition members burst into laughter, disagreeing with Siddaramaiah's statement.

Siddaramaiah said, "You listen. Even today, I do not believe in Rahu Kaal or Gulika Kaal being inauspicious."

"I have not presented the Budget based on such considerations. Earlier, I have presented Budgets during Rahu Kaal -- you can verify it. I have also presented them during Gulika Kaal, which is also considered inauspicious. I do not have faith in all this," he added.

Opposition leader Ashoka then stood up in the State Assembly and remarked, "The situation was different then. Today's situation is different. You will have to present the next Budget as well. That is why you have considered the auspicious time. You have taken the first step in that direction."

Siddaramaiah responded that there was no such reasoning.

"Listen, I have never checked whether a time is auspicious or inauspicious. On the day of a solar eclipse, tell me -- will anyone eat non-vegetarian food on Ugadi or Shivaratri? I do," he said, prompting Congress members to thump their desks.

"There is nothing wrong in it. All days are the same. We celebrate some days as festivals, that's all," Siddaramaiah added.

Opposition leader Ashoka also questioned the devotion of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Siddaramaiah replied that faith is a personal matter.

"You (R. Ashoka) have come wearing a shawl today. Why are you dressed like this?" the Chief Minister asked.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
While I respect his personal beliefs, he is the CM of a state where many people hold these traditions dear. Making such statements publicly feels a bit insensitive. He could have just said faith is personal without the examples.
A
Arun Y
The real issue is the budget and its contents, not the timing! The opposition is just trying to divert attention. Whether it's Rahu Kaal or not, will the budget help farmers and create jobs? That's what matters.
S
Sarah B
Interesting cultural debate to observe. In the West, a leader's personal religious practices are rarely questioned so directly in a political forum. The line between personal faith and public duty seems very different here.
V
Vikram M
Typical political drama in the assembly. Ashoka ji started it by criticizing the budget timing, and CM had to respond. But asking about the shawl? That was a good counter! 😄 Let's get back to work, please.
K
Kavya N
In my family, we follow traditions during festivals. It gives us a sense of peace and continuity. I don't think there's anything wrong with that, just like there's nothing wrong with his choice. Live and let live.

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