Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress president DK Shivakumar is facing criticism from within his party for attending a Mahashivratri event at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore, where he shared the stage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Shivakumar, who also took a holy dip at the Maha Kumbh, has defended his visit, stating that he remains committed to the Congress party’s ideology while maintaining his personal faith.
The controversy began after Shivakumar posted a thank-you note to spiritual guru Jaggi Vasudev, also known as Sadhguru, the founder of Isha Foundation, for inviting him to the Mahashivratri celebrations. The event, known for its night-long festivities, features musical performances and meditation sessions led by Jaggi Vasudev. However, his public acknowledgment of the invitation and presence at the event drew criticism from Congress leaders, with All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary PV Mohan openly questioning his actions.
PV Mohan, in a post on X, wrote, "Thanking for an invitation from someone who mocks RG (Rahul Gandhi), the hope of the nation & aligns with RSS's narratives, while serving as a president of a secular party, it misleads party workers. It is conviction rather than compromise (that) ensures the party's growth. Otherwise, it damages the core." He suggested that Shivakumar’s actions could undermine the party’s secular credentials and mislead Congress workers.
Responding to the criticism, Shivakumar said, "I am a Hindu. I am a born Hindu and I will die as a Hindu, but I love and respect all religions. Our Congress president's name is Mallikarjun Kharge. Who is Mallikarjuna? It's Shiva only. Should he change his name?" Defending his participation, he added, "Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev of Isha Foundation came and invited me. He is from Mysuru. He is a great man and I admire his knowledge and stature, but there are many who criticise him."
Shivakumar also spoke positively about the Maha Kumbh, organised by the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government. "My experience regarding Maha Kumbh was very good. I appreciated the way they organised it. It is not a small job. There might be some problems here and there. Trains may have caused problems. I don’t like to find faults. It is very satisfactory," he said.
Amid allegations that his visits signaled closeness to the BJP, Shivakumar dismissed the criticism as a political conspiracy. He invoked Sonia Gandhi’s example to counter claims of ideological dilution. "The Congress party has the doctrine of taking everyone together. Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, and Indira Gandhi have done the same. I have seen Sonia Gandhi celebrating the Ugadi festival. She has adopted Indianness rather than us. We have such leadership," he said.