BJP Suggests D.K. Shivakumar's Possible Shift

Bengaluru, Feb 27 (NationPress) The Karnataka Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, stated on Thursday that the potential for Deputy Chief Minister and Congress State President D.K. Shivakumar to join the BJP should not be dismissed.

In response to persistent speculations following Shivakumar's public commendation of the Maha Kumbh Mela's organization and his appearance alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the Mahashivratri festival at the Isha Foundation, Narayanaswamy remarked: “The rumors about Shivakumar joining the BJP are merely speculation. However, it cannot be entirely dismissed. Similar scenarios have unfolded in the past. As for whether he will affiliate with the BJP, that question should be directed to D.K. Shivakumar himself.”

Narayanaswamy also noted that Shivakumar is encountering internal backlash for sharing the stage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“Shivakumar did not participate in a political event; he was present at an apolitical gathering. He attended the event upon an invitation from Sadhguru. It is inappropriate for Congress leaders to criticize him,” he stated.

“While Shivakumar serves as the Congress State President, it’s important to note that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is not the BJP President. Yet, Congress leaders continue to target him. It has become evident that Shivakumar aligns with Hindutva principles, leading to his marginalization,” he added.

In response to Shivakumar’s involvement in the Maha Kumbh Mela, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra asserted that this historic event transcends political boundaries, attracting participants from various nations.

Commenting on Shivakumar’s presence alongside Amit Shah, Vijayendra remarked: “The Isha Foundation hosted a religious event, and Shivakumar attended during the Shivaratri festival. Internal disputes within the Congress party are escalating, and significant political changes are anticipated soon. This is something I had foreseen.”

Meanwhile, addressing the backlash Shivakumar received from Congress leaders for attending the Maha Kumbh Mela and sharing the platform with Amit Shah, former Chief Minister and BJP MP Jagadish Shettar stated that if Shivakumar is acting contrary to the Congress party's principles, he should face suspension.

“Shivakumar’s participation in the Maha Kumbh Mela and at an event with Union Home Minister Amit Shah is not a significant matter. If there are objections, action should be taken,” he asserted.

He also criticized Minister Priyank Kharge and his father, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, for making disparaging remarks against Hindus.

“This nation is rooted in Hinduism. This land is rich with the legacy and culture of Hindus. Even communists have frequented Hindu temples. Numerous Congress-affiliated leaders have attended the Kumbh Mela. Politics should remain separate from religion,” Shettar emphasized.

P.V. Mohan, Secretary of the AICC, condemned Shivakumar for attending the Shivaratri event at the Isha Foundation, led by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

Expressing concern over Shivakumar accepting an invitation from Sadhguru, Mohan stated: “Accepting an invitation from someone who ridicules Rahul Gandhi, a beacon of hope for the nation, and aligns with the RSS narrative, while serving as the president of a secular party, misleads party members. Growth of the party is based on conviction, not compromise. Otherwise, it undermines its essence.”

In response, Shivakumar declared, “I was born a Hindu, and I will die a Hindu. I am a lifelong Congress leader. Being a Hindu, I hold respect for all religions.”