DK Shivakumar's serial visits to temples spark unease in Congress

BENGALURU: Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar drew considerable attention prior to Thursday's cabinet meeting in Chamarajanagar as he toured Sri Male Mahadeshwara Hill temple there, blending spirituality with political messaging .

The Karnataka Congress president participated in Dandukola Seva during the Hulivahana Mahadeshwara silver chariot procession, offered prayers at Male Mahadeshwara temple and met the pontiff of Saluru Brihanmath, Sri Shantamallikarjuna Swami. Prior to that, he met Jagadguru Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji of Suttur Mutt.

It was a continuation of a spiritual outreach that began in Jan. Last week, he was at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, where he offered prayers to Lord Manjunatha. Earlier, he had taken a holy dip at the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and participated in Maha Shivaratri celebrations at Isha Foundation, sharing the stage with Union home minister Amit Shah. That appearance stirred unease within Congress circles. State cooperation minister KN Rajanna had publicly rebuked Shivakumar, suggesting the optics sent "mixed signals".

However, Shivakumar has shrugged off criticism, consistently insisting his visits are personal. "I was born a Hindu, and I will die a Hindu. But I respect all religions," he said in Feb after his attendance at events organised by Sadhguru drew much flak.

Defending Shivakumar, his brother and former Congress MP DK Suresh said, "He went as a public figure and not to endorse any ideology."

Political analysts say Shivakumar's temple visits may serve multiple purposes but concurred that it must be viewed as a profession of faith. "Shivakumar has always made it a point express his religious beliefs," said Sandeep Shastri, psephologist. "He has done so from the start of his political career. His stand on Kumbh, his engagement with swamis and sadgurus, and shrine visits reflect commitment and faith. One need not read any deeper meaning in it."

Prof Harish Ramaswamy, political analyst, echoed the view but acknowledged that the growing visibility is not doing Shivakumar's reputation any harm. "He has been a pious individual from his early years in politics," he said.

BJP functionaries, too, have praised his religious engagements. Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Kota Shrinivas Poojary and Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna welcomed his visits, calling them a positive signal from a senior Congress member.

But his own partymen are unimpressed. One functionary pointed out the double-edged nature of his temple run, saying: "While it might reinforce BJP's narrative that he is gravitating towards a right-leaning ideology, it could simultaneously alienate sections of our minority support base."