'Born a Hindu, will die a Hindu': Shivakumar shuts critics, praises Yogi Adityanath for Maha Kumbh preparations

DK Shivakumar took a dip at the Triveni Sangam at the Kumbh Mela. (PTI/File)

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president DK Shivakumar on Wednesday showered rich praise on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the arrangements at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj which drew to a close with the final 'snan' on the occasion of Mahashivratri.

Shivakumar, who took a dip at the Triveni Sangam at the Kumbh Mela, also opposed the politicisation of the religious congregation and said he wasn't one to find faults.

Shivakumar said that the UP government has made good arrangements for the Maha Kumbh and lauded Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the same.

Taking a jab at his critics, Shivakumar said he was "born a Hindu and will die as a Hindu" but respects all religions.

"The Congress believes in taking everyone with it. Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi have followed this philosophy of the party. I have seen Sonia Gandhi celebrating Ugadi festival; she is more Indian than many of us," he said.

Later on Wednesday, Shivakumar attended the Shivaratri program held at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore at the invitation of Sadhguru, drawing a sharp response from the Congress.

All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary PV Mohan expressed his disapproval in a post on the social media platform X, stating that Shivakumar’s action "damages the core" of the party.

"Thanking for an invitation from someone who mocks RG, 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 ensures the party’s growth. Otherwise, it damages the core," AICC secretary PV Mohan said in a post on X tagging the Deputy CM's post on his visit.

Shivakumar, who has been at the centre of a power struggle and speculations regarding Congress leadership in Karnataka, also briefly shared stage with Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He, however, denied speculations around his growing proximity to the BJP and said he was born a Congressman.