Bengaluru: In a notable development, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar of Karnataka has announced that he will participate in the Isha Foundation program during the upcoming Maha Shivaratri festival. Shivakumar made his intentions known via social media, expressing his eagerness to attend the event. However, his decision has sparked considerable debate both in public circles and within his own political party, the Congress.
Critics have emerged from within the party, particularly from AICC General Secretary PV Mohan, who has raised concerns over the appropriateness of a senior leader of a secular government publicly associating with figures who have made derogatory remarks about Rahul Gandhi, the party’s national leader. Mohan articulated that such a move sends a conflicting message to the party’s base, as it could be perceived as compromising the core values of the Congress party in favor of political expediency.
Mohan went further, stating that the Deputy Chief Minister’s associations could dilute the ideological framework that the Congress stands for, particularly given that individuals with links to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a Hindu nationalist organisation, are reportedly included in the guest list. “It’s troubling to see our party president sharing the stage and spending the entire night with Amit Shah,” he remarked on social media, questioning the alignment of Shivakumar’s actions with the party’s values.
This internal dissent is echoed by other Congress members and workers who have publicly expressed their disapproval of Shivakumar’s participation in a program where he would potentially share the stage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah, a prominent BJP leader. Detractors have questioned the ideological implications of attending the Isha Foundation, asserting that Jaggi Vasudev, the founder of the foundation, holds pro-BJP viewpoints. Some party members argue that there should be a distinction between participating in social programs and engaging in political maneuvering.
In response to the backlash, DK Shivakumar addressed the controversy, clarifying his stance on the matter. He reiterated his enthusiasm for attending the Isha Foundation event, linking his participation to the Shivaratri festival, and stated, “The Isha Foundation chief came to our house and invited us. Last time my daughter went. This time I am going.” He underscored that his involvement had no ties to the BJP, emphasizing that his relationship with Jaggi Vasudev is strictly rooted in regional familiarity, as the founder hails from Mysore.
Amidst the ongoing discussions, union politics have added another layer to the controversy. Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah participated in the ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which drew criticism from Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge. Kharge questioned the sincerity of BJP leaders who partake in such events, suggesting that their participation was merely a photo opportunity rather than a genuine effort to address poverty and social issues. Following these comments, Shivakumar’s visit to the Kumbh Mela showcased a juxtaposition where some in the BJP appeared to leverage his actions to counter Kharge’s criticisms.
While Shivakumar acknowledged the logistical shortfalls reported at the Kumbh Mela, he commended the Uttar Pradesh government for its management of the event, thus attempting to distance himself from the negativity attributed to the BJP.
As the discussion about his affiliation swirls, Shivakumar firmly affirmed his identity, stating, “I was born a Hindu, I will die a Hindu,” emphasising his respect for all religions and his commitment to his roots as a Congress party member. He stressed that his participation in religious events is driven by faith rather than political affiliations.
In closing, Shivakumar admonished the speculation regarding his political leanings, expressing, “I should not allow such speculations to creep in, and I should not take the BJP allegations seriously.” He highlighted that the Congress party’s office holds significant importance for him, likening it to a temple, and reaffirmed his loyalty to the party despite the criticisms surrounding his public appearances.
