Religious Support for DK Shivakumar's Chief Ministerial Ambitions
In a significant display of political backing, Congress supporters organized special religious ceremonies at prominent temples in Mysuru, fervently praying for Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to be appointed as Karnataka's next chief minister. The spiritual campaign unfolded on Monday when party workers conducted elaborate puja rituals at the historic Chamundi Hills temple, seeking divine intervention for their preferred leadership candidate.
The religious support extended directly to Shivakumar's residence, where a group of sadhus visited the deputy chief minister to offer their personal blessings. One of the holy men, who identified himself as having traveled from Kashi (Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh), explicitly stated that he had come to bestow his spiritual support upon Shivakumar.
Parallel Political Ambitions Surface
While Shivakumar's supporters were engaged in temple ceremonies, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara made his own position clear on Sunday, openly acknowledging that he remains very much in the race for the chief minister's position. This declaration comes amid widespread speculation about potential changes in the state's leadership structure.
Parameshwara pointed to his historical significance within the party, reminding everyone that he served as Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president in 2013 when the Congress government initially came to power. "I have always been in the CM race," the senior leader asserted, while carefully noting that the party's success resulted from collective effort rather than individual achievement.
Internal Party Dynamics and Dalit Representation
The political maneuvering occurs against the backdrop of longstanding demands within the Congress party for chief ministerial representation from the dalit community. Parameshwara's candidacy represents this significant demographic consideration, adding another layer to the complex leadership equation.
Despite the visible jockeying for position, Parameshwara downplayed suggestions of internal party conflict, stating unequivocally that there are no "problems" within either the party or the state government. He emphasized that all significant decisions, including those regarding leadership positions, ultimately require approval from the Congress high command.
When questioned about the timing of any potential leadership change, Parameshwara referenced historical precedents while suggesting that such a move might be premature. "When the occasion arises, the high command will do it," he stated, citing the past replacement of Bangarappa with Veerappa Moily as an example of the party's authority to make mid-term changes.
The religious ceremonies supporting Shivakumar weren't limited to Monday's events at Chamundi Hills. Additional special pujas had been conducted the previous day at Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara Temple, indicating an organized effort by his supporters to demonstrate grassroots and spiritual backing for his chief ministerial aspirations.
