In what can easily be perceived as a slap to former Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka PCC President DK Shivakumar has showered praise and expressed gratitude towards Sadhguru for inviting him to the Mahashivratri celebration at the Isha Foundation. This Mahashivratri event was attended by none other than the Home Minister of India, Amit Shah.
DK Shivakumar, known as the “crisis in chief” of the Congress party and a very successful businessman, celebrated the Mahashivratri celebration with Sadhguru alongside the Home Minister and in the presence of thousands of devotees.
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This new development can be seen in the context of the ongoing struggle for the post of Chief Minister between him and the Congress high command. We must also keep in mind that Mr. Shivakumar is one of the most powerful regional leaders in the Congress party.
The Congress cannot sideline him or take stringent action against him simply for attending the Mahashivratri function. Shivakumar is also not hesitating to own his actions. He further fuels the fire by stating that he is a proud Hindu at heart, while also mentioning that he is a staunch Congress supporter—though it is not entirely clear what that term means nowadays.
It’s also worth noting that DK Shivakumar was one of the Congress leaders who attended the recently held Mahakumbh in Prayagraj. He even praised the state government for its management of the Mahakumbh ceremony.
However, we should not assume that everything he is doing is for the greater good of Hinduism or Hindutva. His actions reflect the internal dynamics of the Congress party and its politics. Everyone knows that he is aiming to become the Chief Minister, sidelining Siddaramaiah, who has held the position for a long time.
Confirming this, Congress Secretary PV Mohan has criticized DK Shivakumar, stating that Shivakumar’s actions “damage the core” of the party. Mohan must have received brownie points—or in this case, biscuit points—from the Congress top brass for making this statement.
“Thanking someone who mocks RG, the hope of the nation, and aligns with RSS narratives while serving as president of a secular party misleads party workers. It is conviction, rather than compromise, that ensures the party’s growth. Otherwise, it damages the core.”
Shivakumar is a powerful regional leader which the Congress party cannot silence easily; taking action against him would only be detrimental to the party, however it is fun to watch Rahul Gandhi red faced and frustrated with the actions of his own party members. Several leaders including Sachin Pilot, Digvijay Singh and DK Shivakumar attended the Mahakumbh ignoring the unwritten party rule of not associating itself with any festivities relating to Hindus.
