Secularists lack their own identity: Union Minister Anant Kumar Hegde

Koppal: Union Minister of State for Employment and Skill Development, Anant Kumar Hegde yesterday kicked up a storm by describing ‘Secular People’ as those who do not have an identity of their parental blood. Speaking at a function organised by Brahmana Yuva Parishat at Kukanur in Yelburga taluk of Koppal district yesterday, Hegde said those claiming to be secular and progressive do not have an identity of their parents and their blood. One will get self-respect through such identity, he added. Asking people to identify themselves with their religion and caste rather than being secular, he said the Constitution too would change in accordance with such thinking. “I will be happy if someone identifies himself/herself as a Muslim /Christian / Brahmin / Lingayat / Hindu. But there is no meaning if they say they are secular,” he said. Pointing out that the Constitution has undergone changes from time to time, Hegde maintained that the Constitution needs to be changed from time to time and they had come for that. Referring to those criticising religious customs and traditions, he said some intellectuals do not know about history, tradition and culture of our country and added that those who themselves have erred are trying to blame others for their mistakes.