I was Born a Hindu and Will Die a Hindu : DK Shivakumar

Statement by D.K. Shivakumar, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister, on participating in Maha Kumbha Mela and Mahashivratri celebrations

Bengaluru (Karnataka) – Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state president, D.K.Shivakumar, made a strong statement, “Why should I adopt another religion? I respect all religions, we don’t choose the faith we are born into. I was born a Hindu and will die a Hindu.”

He celebrated this year’s Mahashivratri by attending an event organized by Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev’s Isha Foundation. His participation sparked discussions within his own party, and when questioned about attending such an event despite being a Congressman, he responded with the above statement.

Deputy Chief Minister, D.K.Shivakumar further stated,

1. “Congress is a confluence of all religions. When we grant power and authority, we do so thoughtfully and for everyone.” (If that is the case, then why are members of the party itself criticizing this ? It seems that attending Hindu events doesn’t align with Congress’s ideology ! – Editor)

2. “We are in power in the state. Have we shut down the Hindu Religious Endowment Board? When the BJP was in power, did they close the Waqf Board ? Has the Christian Development Board been dissolved ? No. The reason is our Constitution, which ensures equal opportunities for all religions in our country.”

3. In the past, under the leadership of former Chief Minister S.M.Krishna, we contested elections and named our campaign ‘Panchjanya’. Some members raised their complaints to Sonia Gandhi but she didn’t stop it. (This suggests that many Congress members have objections on names associated with Hindu beliefs. It clearly indicates that anti-Hindu sentiment runs deep within Congress. – Editor)

4. “Have we left Hindus at the mercy of the BJP and RSS ? Should we change our names just because Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s and my name have religious significance ? Our leader Rahul Gandhi is a great devotee of Deity Shiva.” (If that is true, then why didn’t he attend Maha Kumbha Mela for the holy dip ? – Editor)

5. “What does this have to do with the Kumbha Mela ? Does water have a caste or religion ? This is a tradition that has been followed since ancient times. There is no politics involved. Religion and faith should not be mixed with politics. (But will leaders within Congress follow this ? Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge himself has the criticized Kumbha Mela. – Editor) Even U.T. Khader, the Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, has visited Kumbh Mela.”

6. “My participation in Maha Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj and the Mahashivratri celebrations at Isha Yoga Center is a matter of my personal faith. My beliefs are my own and no one should have a say in them. There is no need for anyone (BJP) to offer words of praise for my actions.”