‘I am a born Congressman’: Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar dismisses reports of rifts ahead of Shivratri event with Amit Shah

NEW DELHI: Karnataka deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar on Wednesday refuted speculations of internal rift within Congress as he accepted the invitation from Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev to participate in the grand Mahashiratri celebrations at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore along with Union home minister Amit Shah.
Shivakumar said that his visit does not mean he is coming close to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
“I have seen in some of the media and social media, and my friends are calling and asking me whether I am coming close to the BJP. I am a born Congressman, my visit to Maha Kumbh is my belief and I respect all religions. Such speculations do not come even close to me; I don’t take BJP’s allegations seriously,” Shivakumar said.
“I have already been criticised for my visit to Isha Foundation, later today. I have been invited by Sadhguru, so I will be going there. I am a born Hindu who loves all religions, and it does not mean that I am coming close to the BJP. I have not met Amit Shah at all,” he added.
Sadhguru extended an invitation to Shivakumar during a meeting at his residence. Following the invitation, DK Shivakumar took to X and said, “Grateful to Sadhguru Shri Jaggi Vasudev for inviting me to the Maha Shivratri celebrations at Isha Yoga Center, Coimbatore. Looking forward to experiencing the divine energy of the night at this grand spiritual gathering,”
Meanwhile, Union minister Amit Shah is also scheduled to attend the celebrations.
Earlier, on the reports of the discord within the party, Shivakumar had said that his soul is on safeguarding the party and its government.
“My duty is to save the party and keep the government safe. Apart from this, I have no other duties. Don’t use my name for anything else. I have no disagreement with anyone,” he had said.
“There is no rebellion. No personal differences with anyone. I am a president who treats everyone as equal, everyone is the same to me. I must treat everyone equally,” he added.
The event will begin from 06pm on February 26 and famous artists such as Ajay-Atul, Muktidan Gadhvi, Paraox, CassMae, Sounds of Isha, Isha Samskriti, and multi-regional artists, will keep the audiences captivated throughout the 12-hour celebration.
For the first time, Sadhguru will be offering the midnight Mahamantra (Om Namah Shivay) initiation, chanting that can bring ultimate well-being.
Sadhguru will also unveil a free meditation app, Miracle of the Mind, featuring a 7-minute guided meditation designed to help individuals establish a simple yet powerful daily practice, a press release said.