DK Shivakumar visits Thoothukudi Murugan temple on 64th birthday, vows to strengthen Congress in TN
Synopsis
On his 64th birthday, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar flew to Thoothukudi to pray at the ancient Tiruchendur Murugan temple — and used the occasion to signal Congress's intent to actively shape its alliance with TVK in Tamil Nadu, with power-sharing deals already in motion.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar , Karnataka Deputy CM and State Congress President, visited the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi on 15 May to mark his 64th birthday .
Shivakumar confirmed a power-sharing arrangement between Congress and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu, describing it as part of an earlier understanding.
He said TVK leaders who served as ministers in the UPA government would be given opportunities in Tamil Nadu.
The visit comes amid a reported leadership tussle within Karnataka Congress, lending added political significance to his public statements.
The Tiruchendur temple is one of the six sacred Arupadaiveedu of Lord Murugan, estimated to be 2,000–3,000 years old .
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Friday, 15 May visited the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, offering special prayers to mark his 64th birthday. Shivakumar arrived in Thoothukudi aboard a special flight and was received warmly by local Congress leaders.
Shivakumar on Congress-TVK Power-Sharing
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar addressed the Congress party's power-sharing arrangement with the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu. 'Some leaders have agreed to the power-sharing arrangement, and it was part of the earlier understanding as well. Now, we will also guide them (TVK) properly,' he said. He noted that several TVK leaders had previously served as ministers in the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government under the Congress banner, and indicated that opportunities would be extended to them in Tamil Nadu as well. 'With everyone's cooperation, we will gradually strengthen the Congress party in Tamil Nadu as well,' Shivakumar added.
Political Significance of the Visit
The temple visit carries political undertones beyond its devotional purpose. It comes amid a reported leadership tussle within the Karnataka Congress — a context that has made Shivakumar's public appearances and political statements closely watched. Reaching out to Tamil Nadu's Congress base on his birthday is being read by observers as a signal of his broader national ambitions within the party.
Notably, the Congress-TVK alliance in Tamil Nadu is still taking shape, and Shivakumar's remarks suggest the senior Karnataka leadership is actively involved in guiding that process. Shivakumar was scheduled to return to Bengaluru later on Friday.
About the Tiruchendur Murugan Temple
The Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur is one of the six sacred Arupadaiveedu — the six abodes of Lord Murugan — and is considered among the most revered Murugan shrines in South India. Situated directly on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the temple is estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 years old. Lord Murugan is worshipped here as Jayanthinathar, commemorating his victory over the demon Surapadman. Millions of devotees from across India and abroad visit Tiruchendur annually to seek blessings and participate in its traditional rituals conducted by trained priests following ancient worship traditions.
What's Next
With the Congress-TVK alliance framework still being formalised in Tamil Nadu, Shivakumar's comments signal that senior Congress leadership intends to play an active mentoring role. How the power-sharing arrangement unfolds — and whether it translates into electoral gains for the Congress in the state — will be closely tracked ahead of future Tamil Nadu elections.
Point of View
Riding instead on coalition coattails. The TVK alliance offers a foothold, but Shivakumar's framing — 'we will guide them' — raises questions about whether TVK, a newer outfit with its own identity, will accept a tutelary relationship. The leadership tussle in Karnataka also adds a layer: high-profile outreach beyond state borders can serve as a reminder of one's national stature within the party hierarchy.
NationPress
9 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did DK Shivakumar visit the Thoothukudi Murugan temple?
D.K. Shivakumar visited the Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi, on 15 May to offer special prayers on the occasion of his 64th birthday. The visit also served as an opportunity for him to meet Tamil Nadu Congress leaders and speak on the party's alliance with TVK.
What did Shivakumar say about the Congress-TVK power-sharing deal in Tamil Nadu?
Shivakumar confirmed that a power-sharing arrangement between Congress and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) is in place, describing it as part of an earlier understanding. He said Congress would guide TVK and that leaders who previously served in the UPA government would be given opportunities in Tamil Nadu.
What is the significance of the Tiruchendur Murugan temple?
The Arulmigu Subramania Swamy Temple in Tiruchendur is one of the six sacred Arupadaiveedu — the six abodes of Lord Murugan — and is among the most revered Hindu shrines in South India. Located on the Bay of Bengal shore, it is estimated to be 2,000 to 3,000 years old and draws millions of devotees annually.
What is the political backdrop of Shivakumar's Tamil Nadu visit?
The visit comes amid a reported leadership tussle within Karnataka Congress, making Shivakumar's public appearances and statements closely watched. His outreach to Tamil Nadu is seen as part of a broader effort to assert national relevance within the Congress party.
When did Shivakumar return to Bengaluru after the temple visit?
D.K. Shivakumar was scheduled to return to Bengaluru on the same day — Friday, 15 May — after completing his temple visit and engagements in Thoothukudi.
