Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on 6 June defended his decision to observe Hindu rituals during his oath-taking ceremony, saying faith is a personal bond between a devotee and the divine and that politics had no bearing on his religious practices. Speaking to reporters near the Nonavinakere Sri Kadu Siddeshwara Mutt in Tumakuru, Shivakumar stressed that he respects every religion equally.

What Shivakumar Said

'I respect all religions. That is why I invited leaders of all religious mutts. Can we abandon our religion or change our names? We cannot live without religion in any form,' he said. He added that every household observes faith-based rituals — naming ceremonies, ear piercing, and upanayana — and that his own actions were no different. 'My responsibility is to safeguard the interests of the state, and I began my work after seeking blessings from all,' he said.

A 25-Year Bond with the Mutt

Shivakumar described his relationship with the Kadu Siddeshwara Mutt as spanning 25 years, emphasising that he was visiting as a devotee, not as Chief Minister. 'I have not come here as Chief Minister, but as a devotee. This is a place of devotion and divine connection,' he said. He noted that he has visited the mutt before elections, after elections, and after assuming office at every stage of his political career.

No Vow Taken, Only a Prayer

When asked whether he had taken a vow at the Mallaghatta Gangadhareeshwara temple, Shivakumar was categorical. 'I have not taken any vow. My only prayer is that people should be well, that the authority entrusted to me should be dedicated to the people, that the state should experience peace and prosperity, and that the lakes of Karnataka should be filled,' he said.

Development Works in Mallaghat Region

The Chief Minister assured that development works worth ₹35 crore are already underway for the Mallaghat region and that further steps will be taken in consultation with local representatives and the Kadu Siddeshwara Mutt. After inspecting development works at the Burudeghatta Mallaghatta lake in Nonavinakere, he noted that completed projects include canal systems, community halls, and guest houses aimed at benefiting farmers and local residents.

The Oath-Taking Ceremony

During the ceremony, amid loud slogans from supporters, Shivakumar walked to the dais and paid floral tributes to the portrait of Sri Veera Gangadhara Swamiji — popularly known as Ajjayya, Nonavinakere Ajja, or Veera Gangadhara Ajja — before proceeding to take the oath of office and the oath of secrecy. He took the oath holding a copy of the Constitution and invoked the name of the revered seer, whom he regards as his spiritual guide. He also noted that water from five sources, including the Burudeghatta Mallaghatta lake, was brought for his housewarming ceremony. Going forward, Shivakumar's balancing of personal faith with constitutional office is likely to remain a subject of political attention in Karnataka.