Synopsis
D. K. Shivakumar, the Karnataka Congress President, plans to attend the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj on February 9. His visit has sparked ridicule from the BJP, questioning Kharge's stance on his religious trip amid political aspirations and the impending leadership transition within Congress.Key Takeaways
- D. K. Shivakumar's visit to Maha Kumbh Mela.
- BJP questions Kharge's silence on Shivakumar's trip.
- Shivakumar's close relationship with Yogi Adityanath.
- Poverty eradication linked to holy dips in Ganga.
- Internal Congress power dynamics highlighted.
Bengaluru, Feb 4 (NationPress) Karnataka Congress President and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar is set to take a sacred dip in the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, on February 9 and will return the following day.
The Karnataka BJP, in a satirical tone, questioned whether AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge will challenge the Deputy Chief Minister over his pilgrimage.
Shivakumar mentioned that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who shares a close rapport with him, extended the invitation for the Maha Kumbh Mela, which he plans to attend with his family.
In response, the BJP criticized Shivakumar's intentions, recalling past statements made by Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, who had previously questioned the value of taking a holy dip in the Ganga as a means to eliminate poverty.
R. Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, taunted Shivakumar, asking on Tuesday: "Once D.K. Shivakumar immerses himself in the Ganga, will all his sins be cleansed?"
Further mocking, he said: "Once KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar takes a sacred dip at the Kumbh Mela, will poverty be eradicated in Karnataka? Will Kharge Saheb (AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge) question this now?"
Shivakumar is recognized for his deep religious convictions and regular visits to temples. He has toured 'Shakti Peeths' in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Andhra Pradesh, in addition to historic temples in Northern India.
His involvement in the Maha Kumbh Mela has taken on a political dimension, as insiders suggest he is seeking divine favor to ascend as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka.
The BJP has noted that the power-sharing arrangement between CM Siddaramaiah and Dy CM Shivakumar is approaching its transitional phase, hinting at a potential internal conflict within the Congress regarding the Chief Minister position.
