Nearly four years into the Russia–Ukraine war, diplomatic efforts have intensified in a way not seen since the invasion began in 2022. A new round of talks in Berlin brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, senior US envoys
DK Shivakumar sees red over HD Kumaraswamy’s remarks on `misusing’ religious mutts in power struggle
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar hit back at Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy for his remarks on religious mutt heads' involvement in Karnataka's power tussle. Shivakumar defended the seers, stating he never sought their support but couldn't refuse it if offered out of affection. He questioned Kumaraswamy's family's past use of mutts for political gain.
Deputy CM DK Shivakumar on Sunday hit out at union minister and rival Vokkaliga leader HD Kumaraswamy over his remarks on dragging of religious mutt heads in the recent power tussle in Karnataka.
Kumaraswamy had on Saturday said, he never sought support from any mutt heads when he lost power as chief minister twice. It was inappropriate to do politics misusing religious institutions, he said, adding that religious and political leaders have their own distinct roles to play.
Shivakumar, in a chat with the media, not only defended the mutt heads, but insisted he never sought support from any of them. At the same time, he could not refuse if someone pledges his support. “I haven't asked for anyone's support. If they support you out of affection, can I say no?..Many other seers including Balehonnur seer and Sri Shaila seer have supported me. We can't say it is wrong.”
At the height of the power struggle a few days ago, Vokkaliga mutt heads including the influential Adi Chunchanagiri seer had voiced their support to Shivakumar, exerting pressure on chief minister Siddaramaiah to step aside.
The Dy CM sought to know if Kumaraswamy's family ever used the mutts for political purpose. He wondered if the union minister was not aware how a second Vokkaliga mutt came into being in Beganluru, in an obvious reference to his father HD Deve Gowda's role behind it. “Who built it? Would Deve Gowda have become the CM if not for the Vokkaliga Swamis? Did they keep quiet when injustice was meted out to (BJP's) Sadananda Gowda. The seers speak on certain occasions; there is nothing wrong in it,” Shivakumar said.
He insisted that he never indulged in groupism and always chose to go to Delhi alone. “I could have taken 8-10 MLAs along, but I don't do that. I am the president of the Congress state unit. “All 140 MLAs are leaders. My brand of politics is direct, I don't backstab,” he said.
They Dy CM's remarks came a day after the CM and he displayed a public show of unity, pledging to work together and ending all confusion after a breakfast meeting at CM's official residence in Bengaluru.
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Source: EconomicTimes
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Nearly four years into the Russia–Ukraine war, diplomatic efforts have intensified in a way not seen since the invasion began in 2022. A new round of talks in Berlin brought together Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, senior US envoys
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