Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 26: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has rejected reports suggesting that he is becoming close to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), calling them "mere rumours" and emphasising that no such developments have taken place.
Addressing a press conference at his residence in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Shivakumar made it clear that his allegiance remains firmly with the Congress party, stating: "I am making it very clear. I have seen in the media and on social media that some of my friends are calling after seeing reports claiming that Shivakumar is getting closer to the BJP. By birth, I am a Congressman. My stand is that I am a Hindu, and I believe in every culture of society. Apart from my personal beliefs, the Congress ideology is to bring everyone together."
Shivakumar, who is also the state Congress president, responded to the rumours, adding: “People are planting stories. Sadhguru of the Isha Foundation came to my residence and invited me to Shivratri. He is from Mysuru, and I admire him for his knowledge. But social media has analysed this as if I am getting close to the BJP. I have not met Union Home Minister Amit Shah yet.”
Shivakumar and Amit Shah are both set to attend the Mahashivratri festival at the Isha Foundation in Coimbatore, where several national and state ministers are expected to gather.
The Deputy CM further explained his personal beliefs while emphasising his commitment to Hindu culture and respect for all religions. “This is what Mahatma Gandhi, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi did. I have seen Sonia Gandhi conduct the Ugadi festival. I once visited her 25 years ago. In both Kashmir and Karnataka, the Ugadi festival is celebrated on the same day. Sonia Gandhi is more of a Hindu and has embraced Indian culture more than any of us. We are led by such a family,” Shivakumar remarked.
When asked about Congress President Mallikarjuna Kharge’s comments regarding the Maha Kumbh Mela, Shivakumar responded: “Mallikarjuna’s first name itself means Lord Shiva. I am a Hindu by birth, and I will die as a Hindu. But I love and respect all religions. When I was in jail, I took the opportunity to learn about Sikhism. I was taught about Sikhism while in prison.”
Reflecting on his visit to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Shivakumar shared his positive experience, acknowledging the challenges of managing such a large event. “I had a very good experience. The organisation deserves praise for managing such a vast number of people. There might have been some glitches, such as issues with the trains, but overall it was satisfactory,” he said.
Shivakumar also reinforced his confidence in the Congress party’s unity and strength, stating: "Congress is a great party with a long history. The philosophy and culture of Congress are distinct. Individuals may differ, and some may be in a hurry, but nothing will change. The party stands united, and hundreds will come and go."
In response to questions about Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Shivakumar praised him as "lovable" and a "great asset" to the party. "He is requesting that his services be utilised more, and that’s all there is to it," he added.