DK Shivakumar's presence at Sadhguru's Maha Shivaratri event questioned by Congress leader

Deputy chief minister and KPCC chief DK Shivakumar's attendance at the Maha Shivaratri celebrations hosted by Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev at Isha Foundation in Coimbatore on Wednesday night has stirred a controversy in the Congress circles.

AICC secretary PV Mohan slammed Shivakumar for accepting Sadhguru's invitation, stating it was unbecoming of a secular party's president.

"It is alarming to note that the president of a secular party like Congress attended an event hosted by Sadhguru who had mocked Rahul Gandhi. This goes against the party's stance and is an insult to the party, Rahul Gandhi and the Constitution as Sadhguru is aligned with the RSS and endorses RSS ideology. Shivakumar has also shared dais with RSS men who were also invited," said Mohan, referring to the event which was attended by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

"Such gestures mislead the partyworkers. It is conviction rather than compromise that ensures the party's growth. Otherwise, it damages the core," added Mohan, in a separate social media post.

Shivakumar, who had created quite a flutter by attending the Mahakumbh Mela at Prayagraj (despite AICC chief Mallikarjun Kharge questioning the mela's significance), once again chose to wear his Hindu credentials on his sleeve.

In his defence, Shivakumar, in a social media post, stated that he experienced the "peak of his devotion" for Lord Shiva.

"I attended the Shivaratri programme held at Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore. I had only heard about this programme. But today when I saw it with my own eyes, it felt like we (reached) the peak of Shiva devotion," said Shivakumar, recalling the story behind naming him after Lord Shiva.

"Shiva is in my name. There is an interesting story behind it. There is a hill named Shivaldappa in Dodda Alahalli. It is tradition in our family to name the newborn as Kempamma (for baby girl) and Kempegowda (for baby boy). My mother had made a vow that she would name her son after Shivaldappa. So, I was initially named Kemparaj as per family tradition and later Shivakumar," he recalled.

Sharing his experiences in conversation with Sadhguru, Shivakumar wrote, "It was a long conversation with @SadhguruJV about life and spirituality. Here, knowledge flowed like a river, his every word felt like logical truth. My doubts about life, spirituality and beyond - were revealed in the presence of Sadhguru, and they also got appropriate answers. Sadhguru's words are a combination of deep principles and gentle humour."

Further, the KPCC chief said, "Life is an endless journey. Every moment is a chapter, every smile and thought complements our inner light. True wealth is inner peace, self-realisation and that feeling, the truth that is alive in every moment of life."

Amid the factional feuds in the party, Shivakumar has been asserting not only his Hindu identity, but also sending out a strong message to his detractors who are trying to dislodge him as the party chief.

Earlier, the Vokkaliga strongman, who is locked in a power tussle between the Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faction, had said, "Whatever position I may hold, I will be leading the party in the 2028 elections too. It will be a collective leadership as Siddaramaiah is also our senior leaders. Also, the party has given me high positions, and sent me to different states - Assam, Himachal, Maharashtra, or Delhi as I am the state party chief. I have a face, strength and vibration. I did not join the Congress to sit at home," said Shivakumar.