Daijiworld Media Network-Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Feb 28: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar has responded to the controversy surrounding his visit to Isha Foundation for Mahashivratri, where he shared the stage with union minister Amit Shah. Dismissing criticism, he asserted that faith is personal and not a subject for political debate.
Speaking at the Book Fair inauguration at Vidhana Soudha on Thursday night, Shivakumar stated, "I went there for the Shivratri festival. It is about my belief. I will not respond to social media posts. Let thousands oppose me—it does not matter. This is my faith."
Responding to the BJP welcoming his participation, Shivakumar made it clear that neither the BJP nor Congress should comment on his personal choices.
"There is no need for the media to talk about me. This is about personal belief," he reiterated.
Regarding Sadhguru's remarks on Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar clarified that he was unaware of them. "Sadhguru is from Mysuru, our state. He played a key role in the Save Cauvery campaign and is now leading the 'Save Soil' movement. He has plans for further initiatives in Karnataka. He personally invited me to the Mahashivratri event with great respect, and I accepted the invitation. I admire his speeches and vision," he said.
Addressing his earlier comment that he was "born a Hindu and will die a Hindu", which had sparked discussions, Shivakumar questioned why it was even a matter of debate.
"Why should I convert to another religion? I respect all religions and believe in humanity. Can anyone choose their religion at birth by submitting an application?" he asked.
Citing Dr BR Ambedkar, he pointed out that conversion is a personal choice. "Dr Ambedkar was born a Hindu but embraced Buddhism—that was his decision. If the BJP wants to debate my faith, let them do so. But what does this have to do with politics? Does water have a caste? The Ganga and Cauvery rivers are sacred, and religion has given them sanctity, but there is no political angle to this."
Shivakumar also challenged the BJP over its stance on religious issues. "In my constituency, 90% of SCs and STs vote for me. 99% of Brahmins vote for me. Does that mean all Brahmins support the BJP?"
Criticizing the BJP’s approach, he asked, "Why couldn’t they shut down the Christian Development Board or the Waqf Board? These exist because they are constitutional rights. Do we drink different water? Live on different land? Breathe different air? These issues should not be politicized."