Sat Mar 01 15:55:14 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Congress Divided Over Deputy CM’s Mahashivaratri Visit

**Bengaluru, March 1, 2025** – A visit by Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to the Isha Yoga Centre in Tamil Nadu for Mahashivaratri celebrations alongside Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sparked a major rift within the state’s Congress party.

While some leaders, including Industries Minister M.B. Patil, defended Shivakumar’s attendance, arguing it was a personal religious observance and didn’t violate party policy, others voiced strong criticism. Cooperative Minister K.N. Rajanna questioned Shivakumar’s association with Isha Foundation founder Jaggi Vasudev, citing past comments by Vasudev critical of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi adopted a more neutral stance, urging the party high command to address the escalating controversy.

Shivakumar’s brother and former MP, D.K. Suresh, insisted that the Deputy CM had informed the party leadership about his attendance at the event, and maintained that the family were devout Shiva worshippers. He also deflected questions about Shivakumar’s ambitions for the Chief Ministership.

The opposition BJP seized on the internal conflict within the Congress, with Assembly Opposition Leader R. Ashok challenging the party to expel Shivakumar, accusing him of displaying “pro-Hindutva” leanings. The incident highlights growing tensions within the Karnataka Congress and raises questions about the party’s internal cohesion.

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