Congress, Nehru family committed to secularism: Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said the Congress party and the Nehru family "are committed to the secular principle of the Constitution".

Taking to his Twitter page, the Karnataka Chief Minister said, "The Congress and the Nehru family are committed to the secular principle of the Constitution. We have never been obedient to religion. Let it be known to those who find fault in AICC President Rahul Gondiji's Temple Tour."

Siddaramaiah's statement came following the reports that Congress President Rahul Gandhi will visit a temple at Huligi village in Karnataka, in his first religious visit in election-bound Karnataka.

Speaking on the same, the Chief Minister said, "President of the All India National Congress and the promise of young people in the country, Mr Rahul Gandhi's welcome to Karnataka is the 'plight of the homeland and prosperity'. Your support for our efforts by the New Karnataka will further strengthen your support: Rahul Gandhi."

Gandhi will launch his four-day election campaign from Bellary on Saturday.

According to reports, Rahul chose Bellary to start the campaign for the April Assembly polls as it would have an emotional recall with the voters, given the Congress won the 2013 Assembly polls under Sonia Gandhi's leadership.

He is expected to continue his temple visits in the election-bound Karnataka during his four-day stay.

Rahul will visit Koppal's Huligamma Temple in Koppal on Saturday.

Reportedly, the Congress chief has directed the party workers in Karnataka to present a positive agenda before the voters.

The campaign will involve road shows, public meetings, interactions with civil society groups and sessions featuring farmers.

The Karnataka assembly elections will be held in the first quarter of this year.