Newly appointed Chief Minister of Karnataka D.K. Shivkumar spoke openly about his religion and faith on Saturday (6 May). He clearly said that he can neither abandon his Hindu religion nor ignore his identity. He stressed that his adherence to Hindu rituals during the swearing-in was not politics, but a symbol of personal faith.
Shivakumar spoke to journalists after questions were raised on following Hindu traditions at the swearing-in ceremony held on June 3. During this he said that politics is not important for me. Most important is the relationship between the individual and God. He said that temple and faith are related in this relationship.
‘I respect the institutions of all religions’
Along with this, the Chief Minister also made it clear that he respects all religions. He said, ‘I respect the institutions of all religions, be they Christian, Sikh, Buddhist or Hindu’. He said that all faith centers work to connect people with God.
‘People of every religion ask for blessings’
D.K. Shivkumar said that people of every religion perform religious rituals and seek blessings on important occasions. He said that before assuming the responsibility of the state, he had also taken blessings from religious leaders of all religions. He said, ‘Can I leave any religion in this state? Can I change my name and give up my religion? No person, no matter which religion he belongs to, cannot leave his religion just like that. According to him, religion is a part of a person’s identity and no one can easily separate from his religious identity.
Development projects also mentioned
During the religious program, Shivkumar also mentioned about the ongoing development projects worth Rs 35 crore in Mallaghatta area. He said that the possibilities of further development work in the area have been discussed with representatives of local bodies and officials of Kadu Siddheshwar Math. He said that the government is committed to the overall development of the area. He told that he has been coming to the historical Gangadheshwar temple located in Mallaghatta for the last 25 years. He said that coming to this place makes him feel peace and happiness. According to him, this temple has been a center of spiritual energy and mental balance for him.
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