Bengaluru/Udupi, March 2, 2025 – In a firm defense of his recent visit to the Isha Yoga Centre in Tamil Nadu for the Mahashivaratri celebrations, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar responded to criticism within the ruling Congress party, calling the visit a matter of personal belief.
Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president, rejected the claims of fast-moving political developments in Karnataka, often suggested by BJP leaders, as “bogus.” He remarked that several leaders and lawmakers from the BJP had been in contact with Congress, signaling growing political discontent within the saffron party.
Sadhguru, a prominent spiritual leader and founder of the Isha Foundation, hails from Karnataka and has been actively involved in campaigns such as the Cauvery Water Dispute and soil conservation. Shivakumar emphasized this connection, stating, “He personally invited me, and as someone with a large following and a positive influence, I attended his event. It is my personal belief, and I don’t see why that should be an issue.”
The Deputy Chief Minister further clarified his stance, emphasizing his inclusive approach to religion and society. “I believe in all religions and castes. The Congress party’s ideology is to unite everyone in society, regardless of these divisions,” he said, addressing concerns within his own party about his association with figures from the BJP.
Shivakumar’s appearance at the Shivaratri event, where he shared the stage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Sadhguru, raised eyebrows within Congress, with some leaders suggesting that it might signal a shift towards BJP-aligned ideology. Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna, for instance, criticized Shivakumar for sharing the stage with those critical of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
In response to these concerns, Shivakumar remained defiant, stating, “I don’t wish to engage in debates on this. If anyone has issues, I will speak to them directly. Let’s give them some medicine,” he quipped, showing no sign of backing down.
While BJP leaders attempted to capitalize on the situation, drawing comparisons between Shivakumar and Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde—whose faction of Shiv Sena defected to the BJP in 2022—Shivakumar dismissed their predictions of fast-paced political change in Karnataka. He remarked, “It’s all bogus. The BJP should first sort out its own house.”
Shivakumar also addressed the growing tension within the Congress regarding the BJP-led central government’s proposed nation-wide delimitation exercise. “They want to reduce our representation in the South, but we will stand united against this,” he said, reinforcing his party’s position on the matter.
Later, speaking in Udupi, Shivakumar expressed frustration at the scrutiny surrounding his visits to religious sites. He explained, “If I visit a temple or speak about any community, it becomes a point of debate. I have attended the Kumbh Mela, a sacred confluence of rivers, and there is no reason for these discussions. Water doesn’t have caste, religion, or party affiliation.”
Shivakumar’s remarks underscore the growing internal divisions within the Congress and the broader political dynamics in Karnataka, as the state navigates the evolving landscape ahead of upcoming elections.
