Writer B. Gangadharamurthy said on Wednesday that the State Government was trying to control the food habits of people by bring in the anti-cow slaughter Bill.
He was speaking on “Politics surrounding the anti-cow slaughter law” at a programme organised by the district units of Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Karnataka Komu Sauharda Vedike and other progressive groups to mark Ambedkar Jayanti here.
Book released
Convener of the samiti Jayan Malpe released the book Gohatye Nishedhada Suttalina Rajakiya written by Mr. Gangadharamurthy on the occasion.
Mr. Gangadharamurthy said that people should have the right to eat the food of their choice. After controlling the food habits of people, the Government might feel tempted to curb the freedom of expression, he said.
The introduction of the anti-cow slaughter Bill in the Legislative Assembly should have led to a massive movement opposing it, but that did not happen, he said.
People's movements
The Government was no longer afraid of people's movements as it had mastered the knack of “managing” those leading such movements, the writer said.
Inequality and untouchability were still prevalent in society, Mr. Gangadharamurthy said, and added that Ambedkar used to say that inequality was the soul of Hinduism.
Survey
According to a survey, over 90 per cent of students belonging to backward classes preferred to have eggs as part of midday meals. But systematic efforts were on not to provide eggs as part of midday meals, he claimed.
Communalists never believed in open debates or discussions. Intellectuals and historians should raise their voice against fascist forces, he said.
It was still possible to launch a struggle against the anti-cow slaughter Bill, Mr. Gangadharamurthy added.
Writer G. Rajashekar said Ambedkar believed that caste system and untouchability were intrinsic to Hinduism. Hence he embraced Buddhism.
The “values” being espoused by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were against Ambedkar's ideals. However, the BJP was trying to appropriate Ambedkar, Mr. Rajashekar said.
Writer K. Phaniraj spoke on “Ambedkar and caste society”.
Writer Gopal B. Shetty presided over the function. Basavaraj Sulibhavi was present.
