The Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, recently participated in the grand Mahashivratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Center in Tamil Nadu, sparking a coalition split in the Congress party. Karnataka's Cooperation Minister, K.N. Rajanna, questioned how Shivakumar could share a stage with critics of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
Addressing the media, Rajanna remarked, 'Sadhguru himself claimed he doesn’t know Rahul Gandhi, right? Shivakumar knows better about what is said regarding our leader in the Lok Sabha. He should now explain the appropriateness of sharing a stage with such individuals.'
'Party Was Informed'
Former MP D.K. Suresh defended his brother Shivakumar, noting that he has always participated in such events with the party's prior knowledge. Suresh told journalists, 'Whenever Shivakumar met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he informed the party leadership beforehand. The party was also notified about his participation in the Isha Foundation's Mahashivratri event.'
He emphasized that Shivakumar's visit was not clandestine. It was Sadhguru who personally invited him to Coimbatore, and Shivakumar gladly accepted the invitation. On Wednesday, Shivakumar, who is also the president of the Karnataka Congress, attended the grand Mahashivratri celebration, which saw the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
What Did Shivakumar Say in His Defense?
Defending his tour, Shivakumar was clear about his faith, stating, 'I was born a Hindu and will die a Hindu.' Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar explained, 'Sadhguru is from Karnataka and is fighting for the Cauvery water cause. He came and extended a personal invite to me. He is doing some exceptional work. Legislators and leaders from various political parties were present there; hence, I attended. It's my personal belief.'
Source: aajtak
He remarked, 'In my constituency, there is an almost 100-foot statue of Jesus, built by local residents. Back then, BJP called me 'Yesukumar'... I believe in all religions, all castes. Congress's ideology is about bringing everyone together, which might please some and not others.'
Party Leadership Should Note the Controversy
State Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that the controversy has escalated beyond Karnataka and is now a national issue that the party's top leadership should address. Speaking in Bengaluru, he remarked, 'It's no longer confined to Karnataka. It's becoming a matter that concerns people connected with Delhi. We are unaware of what is right or wrong, but the leaders in Delhi should pay attention to this.'
