Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has expressed his opposition to “One Nation, One Election” and said delimitation requires a two-thirds majority, without which it is not possible.”
BJP leaders getting closer to him
Amid speculations that BJP leaders are warming up to him, the Karnataka deputy CM refuted such reports and said, “I had gone for Shivaratri, for the night of Shiva. People keep tweeting and talking—how does it matter? I don’t need anyone’s welcome, nor do I seek it.”
Delimitation and One Nation, One Election
DK Shivakumar has clarified Congress’ stand on the delimitation issue saying, “Our party’s stand is very clear. We oppose “One Nation, One Election.” The party support women’s reservation and our leader Sonia Gandhi herself introduced it first. But delimitation requires a two-thirds majority, without which it is not possible.”
Internal party matters
When DK Shivakumar was asked about internal differences within the party, the Karnataka deputy CM reaffirmed his loyalty to the party. “No one listens to anyone’s words. Our leader is Rahul Gandhi. We don’t know who is opposing us. Some people who tweet claim to be national leaders,” he said.
On Isha Foundation event
Shivakumar also defended his participation in Sadhguru’s Isha Foundation event. He said, “I had gone for Shivaratri. It’s my personal belief. Some people keep tweeting on this…why should I react? I don’t need any welcome from the BJP or Congress.”
Sadhguru commented on Rahul Gandhi
When asked about Sadhguru’s reported comments on Rahul Gandhi, the deputy CM distanced himself saying, “I don’t know anything about that. Sadhguru is from Mysuru, and he has worked on the Cauvery issue and the ‘Save Soil’ movement. He personally invited me to his event, and I appreciated his views. I don’t know what personal comments he made.”
On Congress and the Religious Endowments Department
When asked about Congress’ handling of religious institutions, DK Shivakumar questioned, “Should we shut down the Religious Endowments Department? Why hasn’t the BJP shut down the Waqf Board? Religion is a constitutional right. Do people drink different water based on religion? Does land have a religion?”
Rahul Gandhi’s Religious beliefs
Talking about Rahul Gandhi’s faith, Shivakumar responded, “Rahul Gandhi is a devotee of Shiva. He took initiation at Murugha Matha in Karnataka and visits Kedarnath. Did you know the head of Kedarnath Temple is from Karnataka?”
