Shivakumar sending a message to Congress high command by wearing ‘soft Hindutva’ on his sleeve?

D.K. Shivakumar's "soft Hindutva" stance sparks political debate within Congress and BJP, hinting at leadership aspirations.

Deputy Chief Minister and KPCC president D.K. Shivakumar’s attempts of peddling what is perceived as “soft Hindutva” — his appreciation of the management of the Maha Kumbh Mela and participation in Mahashivaratri celebrations at Isha Yoga Centre in Coimbatore, alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah — have sparked off a political debate both in the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP.

Despite Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioning the significance of taking a dip in the Ganga, Mr. Shivakumar’s participation in the Kumbh Mela and his recent “temple run” seem to suggest that he is sending a subtle message to the party high command that he is ready to go to any extent if the Chief Minister’s post is denied to him as per some “formula” that is speculated to have been worked out during the formation of the government in May 2023.

Mr. Shivakumar’s “religious outreach” has surprised even BJP leaders. When questioned about his temple visits, the KPCC chief remained assertive and said, “I am a Hindu, I will die a Hindu. Yet, I respect all religions.”

Mr. Shivakumar’s political posturing on Hindutva and his claim on the inevitability of his “vibrant leadership” to the party not only in Karnataka but also in other States appear to be his attempts atbuilding a new vote bank ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections to counter the AHINDA vote bank developed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Contrary to Mr. Siddaramaiah’s secular approach, the KPCC chief’s frequent visits to religious sites in Karnataka and other States signal a shift within a section of the Congress.

While AICC secretary P.V. Mohan took objection to the appropriateness of Mr. Shivakumar’s participation in the Shivaratri celebrations alongside Mr. Shah, who had made derogatory remarks about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, party MLA Ajay Singh found no fault in it.

The KPCC president recently performed a Lingabhisheka at Belagavi’s Kapileshwar temple and a homa at a Tamil Nadu temple. Mr. Shivakumar said then, “I am a person who offers puja daily and conducts homa regularly. I got this homa done for my peace of mind and protection.”

BJP leaders such as Jagadish Shettar, State BJP president B.V. Vijayendra, and Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council Chalavadi Narayanaswamy have commented on Mr. Shivakumar’s recent temple visits. Mr. Shettar challenged the Congress high command to suspend the KPCC chief from the party if he was found to have violated the party principles by participating in the Isha Foundation’s celebrations.