Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaih and DK Shiva Kumar have confirmed their absence from the temple consecration event in Ayodhya.
DK Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, conveyed remarks on Sunday in relation to the BJP’s proposal for a public holiday on January 22. Despite the BJP’s call for a day off to coincide with the ‘Pran Prathistha’ ceremony at the recently consecrated Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Shivakumar defended the government’s decision not to declare a public holiday. He emphasized that their devotion and religious practices are personal matters that shouldn’t be overly publicized.
“Our bhakti, our respect, our religion…we won’t overly publicize that. Nobody has asked us this, but our ministers are participating in pooja in temples. Our prayers will yield results. We are encouraging everyone to engage in prayer,” the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister expressed.
“Siddaramaiah has Rama in his name, I have Shiva in my name. Nobody has to instruct us or exert pressure on us. We’ll fulfill our duty,” he asserted.
This statement comes following the substantial victory of the Congress party in the recent Karnataka Assembly elections, where they secured over 135 seats. Shivakumar, who also serves as the state Congress president, has expressed a sense of dissatisfaction despite the win, urging party workers to shift focus to the upcoming Lok Sabha elections rather than excessively celebrating the current success. The BJP, which previously demonstrated dominance in Lok Sabha polls, particularly in 2019 when they won 25 out of 28 seats in Karnataka, acknowledged defeat in the 2023 Assembly election as Congress surged ahead.
The Ram Temple in Ayodhya, overseen by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, has been a focal point of national attention. The temple, covering an area of 2.7 acres, will have its consecration attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, followed by public opening the next day.
Notably, Karnataka’s Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has refrained from declaring January 22 as a government holiday, aligning with Shivakumar’s perspective on keeping religious observances private.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaih and DK Shiva Kumar have confirmed their non-participation in the temple consecration event in Ayodhya. Responding to reporters, DK Shivakumar mentioned that the Congress High Command had not chosen to participate in the ceremony, alleging a selective approach by the BJP-ruled Centre in determining the attendees.
“They (BJP) are selecting and picking leaders. There are numerous leaders and chief ministers in the country. It is not private property. It is public property. Every religion and symbol does not exclusively belong to any individual,” the Karnataka Deputy CM emphasized.
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