Siddaramulla Khan is a reward from BJP for his service to the Muslim community: Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru: Reacting to the intolerant BJP leaders, who called former Karnataka Chief Minister and the Congress leader with a Muslim name, Siddaramaiah said the name 'Siddaramulla Khan' is an award from BJP in recognition of his secular credentials.

Siddaramaiah, who is known for his strong secular ethos and has often been mocked by BJP leaders for the same, recently heard BJP national general secretary C T Ravi calling him 'Siddaramulla Khan' in a teasing manner, with a warning that if he becomes CM next time it would be the finish of Hindus.

Siddaramaiah said upon being called by a Muslim name as a reward from the BJP for his belief in secularism.

"I am not upset being called by a Muslim name as we have the heritage of Shishunala Sharif, a disciple of Govinda Bhat, poet Kabir, a disciple of Saint Ramananda…There is nothing surprising in the slander carried out by the BJP, which has made falsehood, slander and character assassination as a tool for its political propaganda," he said.

It was Siddaramaiah's introduction of Tipu Sultan Jayanti celebrations in the state when he was the CM that got him the name from the BJP. The BJP government that came to power later cancelled the event.

Siddaramaiah also said that he is also being called "'Anna (food) Ramaiah', 'Raita (farmer) Ramaiah', 'Kannada Ramaiah', 'Dalita Ramaiah'" in recognition of his services as chief minister.

"If Ravi has called me 'Siddaramulla Khan', it is in recognition of the work done for the Muslim community," he said.