Bengaluru, Feb 26: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has strongly refuted media reports suggesting that his recent visit to Delhi was aimed at securing an extension as the state Congress president. Addressing reporters on Wednesday, Shivakumar dismissed these claims as "planted stories" and said that similar false narratives had surfaced about his visit to Coimbatore for the Mahashivaratri celebrations organized by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation.
"This is all bogus. These are planted stories. There are many such fabricated reports on various issues," he stated.
Shivakumar’s remarks came in response to questions about whether he had urged the Congress high command to allow him to continue as the party's Karnataka chief. He further clarified that rumors about his Coimbatore visit were misleading, particularly the speculation linking him to the BJP.
"Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev personally invited me for the Mahashivaratri celebrations. He is from Mysuru, a great man whose knowledge and stature I admire, though many criticize him," he said. Shivakumar elaborated that Sadhguru had come from Tamil Nadu and waited for him, adding that his daughter had attended the celebrations previously, and this time he decided to accept the invitation.
Rejecting claims of any political alignment, he remarked, "There were social media posts suggesting I am getting closer to the BJP, though I haven’t even met Amit Shah yet."
When asked about his visit to the Congress headquarters in Delhi, he emphasized that the party office was like a temple to him. "Whenever I visit Delhi, I go to the party office, whether I meet anyone or not. I pray there and come back," he explained.
Expressing his allegiance to the Congress, Shivakumar questioned the speculation surrounding his political intentions. "The party office is the place that gave me this chair, both as the state president and Deputy CM. Should I go to the BJP office instead? Do you want me to visit Keshav Kripa (RSS headquarters)?" he asked.
Political circles in Karnataka are abuzz with speculation that Shivakumar might succeed Chief Minister Siddaramaiah towards the end of 2025. However, the Deputy CM remains firm in dismissing such reports as baseless.