Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (NP)
Udupi, March 2: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has responded to BJP leaders Yashpal Suvarna and Sunil Kumar, who had praised his stance on Hindutva, by suggesting that BJP leaders should first set their own house in order before commenting on others.
Speaking to the media after visiting the Kapu Hosa Marigudi temple, Shivakumar remarked, “Let BJP leaders first fix their own house before speaking about others.”
Regarding the appointment of two separate ministers by Maharashtra for border affairs, Shivakumar said, “We already have ministers overseeing border areas. The ministers in every border region are handling all the necessary responsibilities.”
Reflecting on past controversies, Shivakumar recalled, “Whenever I visit a temple or speak about religious matters, it creates a stir. People from your own district once called me ‘Yesu Kumar’ because they believed I encouraged the installation of a Jesus statue. One MP even made controversial remarks about Muslims, saying that if their chests were split open, three letters would be missing."
He also claimed that such people are only fit for puncturing tyres. "But I had said that they are our brothers, and we cannot live without them. Just as we consume chicken and mutton, those who are meant to do a job will do it. And just because I called them brothers, they gave me another name,” Shivakumar said.
Shivakumar also added, “My father named me Shivakumar, the son of Shiva. I am also the son of Kempegowda, the great founder. Yet, when I visit a Shiva temple, people find something to criticise. I had attended the Kumbh Mela; does water have any caste, religion, or political party? Even at the T Narasipura Kumbh Mela, I participated. What is wrong with that? People can calculate things however they want, but there is no need for any calculations.”
Shivakumar’s comments come amid ongoing political tensions, with the deputy chief minister reiterating his personal stance on religious harmony and addressing political criticisms.