Bengaluru, March 1: The controversy surrounding Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s participation in the Mahashivaratri celebrations at Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Yoga Centre in Tamil Nadu has intensified, causing sharp divisions within the state Congress unit.
The dispute emerged following Shivakumar's presence at the grand event held in Coimbatore, which was also attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shivakumar’s appearance drew criticism from Cooperative Minister K N Rajanna, who questioned the appropriateness of sharing a stage with individuals known to have been critical of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Speaking to the media in Hassan, Rajanna remarked, “Sadhguru himself had stated that he does not even know Rahul Gandhi. Shivakumar is fully aware of what has been said against Rahul Gandhi in the Lok Sabha. He should clarify how justified it is to share a platform with such individuals.”
In contrast, Shivakumar’s brother and former MP D K Suresh defended the Deputy CM, asserting that Shivakumar had informed the Congress party’s high command about his attendance well in advance.
“Whenever Shivakumar has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he informed the party high command. Likewise, he had informed the high command before attending the Maha Shivaratri event hosted by Isha Foundation,” Suresh explained, rejecting allegations of secrecy around Shivakumar's visit.
Suresh further emphasized that Shivakumar attended the event at the personal invitation of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, adding clarity to the nature of the visit.
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, however, highlighted that the issue had transcended Karnataka’s borders and called upon the central leadership in Delhi to intervene.
“It has become an interstate issue and now pertains to people in Delhi. The leadership there should address this, as clarity is required about what is right or wrong,” Jarkiholi told reporters in Bengaluru.
Meanwhile, Minister M B Patil came out strongly in Shivakumar’s defense, emphasizing that his attendance was fully aligned with Congress policies.
Patil questioned the criticism, saying, “Isn’t Shivakumar a Hindu? Attending Shivaratri celebrations does not violate party policies. Even I visited a Shiva temple. What is wrong with participating in religious celebrations?”
He further dismissed the controversy as a "media creation" and downplayed concerns about Shivakumar sharing a stage with Amit Shah, stating, “Haven't we Congress leaders sat alongside BJP leaders before?”
Patil reiterated that the annual Mahashivaratri event hosted by Sadhguru is religious rather than political, stressing that Shivakumar remains a dedicated Congress leader.
In response to the growing controversy, Shivakumar himself defended his visit, underscoring his faith by asserting, “I was born Hindu and will die Hindu.”
The debate continues to generate heated discussions within the Karnataka Congress, reflecting broader concerns within the party's state leadership and beyond.
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