BENGALURU: Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized the pressing need for equal representation of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Backward Classes, and minorities in journalism, stating that the media must serve as the voice of the marginalized.
Speaking at an award ceremony organized by the Karnataka State SC/ST Press Editors’ Association on September 17, Siddaramaiah pointed out that the media remains largely inaccessible to these communities—not due to a lack of talent or intellect, but because of a historical deprivation of education and opportunities.
“Dr. B.R. Ambedkar ensured reservations in education, employment, and the political sphere through the Constitution, but there is no reservation in the press. Consequently, the presence of SC, ST, Backward Classes, and minorities in the media is dismally low,” he said.
Reminiscing about his own trajectory, Siddaramaiah candidly remarked, “I now feel that I should have entered journalism, but the time has passed.” He cited the example of veteran journalist Shivakumar, who served as a Chief Reporter at the Indian Express, noting that editors and journalists from marginalized communities possess immense competence and integrity.
‘End Speculative Media, Fight the Karma Theory’ Urging the press to undergo a paradigm shift, Siddaramaiah cautioned against the rise of speculative news. “The media must present factual truth. Speculative journalism should have no space, and any speculation must at least be grounded in reality. Spreading inaccurate information is tantamount to misleading the public,” he warned.
Taking aim at the deeply ingrained caste system and regressive traditions, he invoked 12th-century philosopher Basavanna, who staunchly opposed the ‘Karma theory’ and blind superstitions. Siddaramaiah expressed deep concern over educated professionals clinging to unscientific beliefs to justify systemic inequality.
“Even today, poverty, ill-health, and inequality are justified as the fruits of past-life Karma. Why do highly educated individuals—doctors, engineers, scientists, and professors—believe in the Karma theory over rational and scientific thinking? We must introspect where their education has failed when we see the educated continuing untouchability in rural areas,” he noted.
Quoting socialist thinker Ram Manohar Lohia, he described India’s caste system as “motionless” and urged the media to actively question systemic injustice.
Commitment to the Constitution Siddaramaiah reiterated that true social change is only possible when women, Dalits, backward classes, and minorities are socially, economically, and politically empowered. Recalling his tenure, he highlighted his government’s mandate to read the Constitutional Preamble in educational institutions to foster democratic awareness.
Warning against aligning with “Manuvadi” forces for temporary political gains, he stressed that structural social change cannot happen by compromising with those who fundamentally oppose constitutional ideals.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to social equity, he pointed to the implementation of the SCSP/TSP Act in Karnataka, which currently allocates approximately ₹44,000 crore (24.1% of the state budget) for SC/ST welfare. He challenged the Union Government to implement a similar law at the national level, asking why only Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana had enacted such legislation. Furthermore, he recalled that Karnataka was the first state to protect SC/ST promotion quotas by enacting legislation based on the Ratnaprabha Committee report.
“Rights are never handed over freely. They must be fought for through organized struggle,” Siddaramaiah concluded, congratulating the winners of the Ambedkar, Rachiah, Basavalingappa, and Krishnappa journalistic awards.
