I cannot abandon my (Hindu) religion under any circumstances!

For me, Devotion to the Divine is more important than politics!
Statement by Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar after offering prayers at Nonavinakere Math in Karnataka!

During the visit to Kadasiddheshwar Math, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar

Tumakuru (Karnataka) – After visiting the renowned Kadasiddeshwara Math at Nonavinakere in the district and offering special prayers, D. K. Shivakumar responded to the religious controversies surrounding his recent oath-taking ceremony. The Chief Minister stated, “I took my oath according to Hindu traditions and scriptures. Power and politics are not the only things important to me. Temples are sacred places that facilitate a communication between the devotees and God. Can anyone in our state change my name? Or can one abandon one’s religion? It is not possible to give up one’s religion under any circumstances.”

“Under no circumstances will I leave my Hindu faith. Devotion is more important to me than politics!” – Karnataka CM D. K. Shivakumar

Despite being a senior Congress leader, the CM has openly expressed his faith in Hindu Dharma.

Hindus now expect that this commitment will also… pic.twitter.com/IkQBjxUKbm

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) June 7, 2026

First an ardent devotee of this Math and then a politician! – Chief Minister

The Chief Minister further said, before being a politician, I am an ardent devoee of this Math. I have not come here as a Chief Minister. The position of Chief Minister comes later; first I am an ordinary devotee of this Math. I have come here before as a devotee and offered my prayers to God. This is a sacred bond between a devotee and God. Devotion to the divine is more important to me than politics.” He added that he offered special prayers for the welfare of both himself and the people of Karnataka on this occassion. Chief Ministers have been visiting the Math for the past 24 years.

Inviting the heads of our respective religious institutions and seeking their blessings during naming ceremonies, sacred thread ceremonies, and other auspicious occasions is generally our tradition. Similarly, having accepted the great responsibility of protecting the interests of the entire state, I need the blessings of revered spiritual leaders of all faiths. That is the reason I invited religious leaders from all religions and took the oath in accordance with Hindu scriptures,” said Chief Minister Shivakumar clarifying his stand.