Bengaluru, Feb 27 Responding to the controversy surrounding his visit to the Isha Foundation and sharing a platform with Union Minister Amit Shah on the occasion of Mahashivratri, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar asserted that no matter how many people raise questions, he is not bothered, as it is a matter of personal belief.
Speaking at the inauguration of a Book Fair held at the Vidhana Soudha premises on Thursday night, Shivakumar further stated, “I went there for the Shivratri festival. It is about my belief. I will not respond to social media posts. Let thousands of people oppose me. It is my faith.”
When asked about the BJP welcoming his participation, Shivakumar remarked that he neither wanted the BJP nor the Congress to comment on it.
“There is no need for the media to talk about me. This is about personal belief,” he reiterated.
Regarding Sadhguru’s comments about Rahul Gandhi, Shivakumar responded: “I don’t know about the comment. Sadhguru is from our state—he hails from Mysuru. He participated in the save Cauvery River campaign and has now taken up the ‘Save Soil’ movement. He is also planning to initiate good work in our state.”
He further explained, “Sadhguru personally came to my residence and invited me to the event with respect. I appreciate his speeches and thoughts. However, I am not aware of his comments on Rahul Gandhi. I will get the details. No one can stop anyone from expressing their opinions.”
Speaking on his earlier statement that he was born a Hindu and would die a Hindu, which stirred controversy, Shivakumar responded, “Why should I convert to another religion? I respect all religions and believe in humanity. Can one choose their religion at birth by submitting an application?”
He added: “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was born into the Hindu faith and later embraced Buddhism. That was his personal decision. Let the BJP debate about me if they want. What is the connection between politics and the Maha Kumbh Mela? Does water have a caste? Attending such events is not a communal issue. The Ganga and Cauvery rivers are sacred to us. Religion has given them that sanctity, but beyond that, there is no political angle. I request that personal matters not be politicised.
He also commented on political support in his constituency, stating, “In my constituency, 90 per cent of SCs and STs vote for me. Ninety-nine percent of Brahmins vote for me. Can we categorize all Brahmins as BJP supporters? The Congress is inclusive. Whenever a position is allocated, all religions and communities are taken into account.”
Criticising the BJP, he asked, “Why couldn’t the BJP shut down the Christian Development Board or the Waqf Board? It wasn’t possible because these are constitutional rights. Do we drink different water? Share different land? Breathe different air?”
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