Bengaluru, Feb. 23 -- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday defended his article on the caste system and social justice, asserting that the Congress party has recognized and empowered leaders from backward castes like him, which sets it apart from the BJP and JD(S).

In a detailed media statement, Siddaramaiah welcomed the debate triggered by his article written for a newspaper as part of Social Day celebrations.

"The article I wrote for a newspaper as part of the celebration of Social Day has been the subject of a multifaceted debate in the political circles of the state. If water remains stagnant and becomes muddy, it becomes clear if it flows. The social system too, if it does not remain rigid and gains mobility, it becomes ...