Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed criticism regarding his attendance at the Isha Foundation’s Maha Shivaratri celebrations, emphasizing it was a personal belief and that he was invited by Sadhguru, a Mysuru native. He dismissed accusations from Congress leader PV Mohan, who argued that Shivakumar’s actions undermine the party. Shivakumar stated his commitment to faith over public opinion and rejected claims of closeness to the BJP as “false propaganda.” He reaffirmed his identity as a dedicated Congressman and expressed respect for all cultures, aligning with the Congress’s inclusive philosophy as exemplified by past leaders.
Bengaluru:
In the midst of controversy regarding his attendance at the Maha Shivaratri celebrations hosted by the Isha Foundation, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar stated that it is a matter of personal belief and that Sadhguru, who is originally from Mysuru, extended a personal invitation to him.
“I participated in the Maha Shivarathri celebrations at the Isha Foundation. This is based on my personal belief. I cannot respond to everyone who makes comments on social media. I don’t want the BJP or anyone else to greet me regarding this. I also prefer that the media refrain from discussing it. This is solely my personal belief. Sadhguru is from Mysuru, and he personally invited me to attend the event,” Mr. Shivakumar informed the media on Thursday.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) Secretary PV Mohan expressed his objections on X concerning Mr. Shivakumar’s attendance at the Isha Foundation. He remarked that such actions “damage the core” of the party.
Accepting an invitation from someone who ridicules RG, the nation’s hope, and aligns with the RSS narratives, while being the president of a secular party, misguides party workers. It’s conviction, not compromise, that guarantees the party’s growth. Otherwise, it undermines the core pic.twitter.com/x9hnxhbfF6
— PV.MOHAN (@pvmohanINC) February 26, 2025
Moreover, the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister reiterated his faith, stating that opposition from others does not dissuade him.
“I frequently visit the Nonavinakere mutt, and people question why I go there often instead of my community mutt. I go where my faith lies. I go where I feel secure,” he explained.
“In my constituency, a significant number of voters belong to the scheduled castes and tribes. Approximately 99 percent of Brahmins in my constituency support me. Can we assert that all Brahmins vote for the BJP? I don’t engage in caste and religious politics, but I pursue politics based on principles,” he further commented.
On Wednesday, DK Shivakumar dismissed reports suggesting he is becoming close to the BJP as “false propaganda,” stressing that he is a lifelong Congressman.
“I was born a Congressman, and I value that. The claims about me drawing closer to the BJP are a false conspiracy against me,” Shivakumar declared during a press conference at his residence in Sadashivanagar.
“As a Hindu, I respect all cultures. The Congress party is committed to inclusivity. Leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, and Indira Gandhi upheld this principle. I have witnessed Sonia Gandhi celebrating the Ugadi festival. She embraces Indian culture more than we do. We are fortunate to have such leadership,” he highlighted.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)