who believed that liberty and equality are opposed to each other?

Answer 1

What liberty? political? religious? ... and equality?

In India you are equal under law for political participation, religious following, practice of profession, etc? But what is the de facto postion - if a new party is launched by a popular person - say a cine actor, with some ambition for reform or just the taste for power - he is threatened by bigger parties! Untouchability is said to continue in some villages... again against law... Goondas run kangaroo courts to settle disputes... Where is the security and liberty given by law?

On the other side no liberty can go without corresponding responsibility for those who enjoy the liberty... That is why Mrs Indira Gandhi introduced the amendment to Fundamental Rights to include the citizen's responsibilities... (There may be critics who may give some other political motive to the act, but logically it is correct step in the view of an average citizen...like me).

Equality is likely to be achieved under more harmonious setting without support of rules on liberty... It will be in danger under hostile climate - any law on liberty not withstanding!

So the leaders - political, religious and other groups - should really be good-hearted to lead people on right lines - without inciting caste and groupist tendencies in their followers... That itself would achieve harmony and "equality" - whatever you mean by it... I understand that it is equal opportunity to all to live in dignity and peace, without restrictions to develop his skills and grow in his chosen path of profession / religious faith / etc

Answer 2

Equality is never achieved. If there would be true equality, we will have endless liberty, with no-one using the liberty to achieve anything better than the next person.