<p>Udupi: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasised his commitment to inclusivity and governance.</p><p>Speaking to reporters on Maharashtra's decision to appoint two separate border in-charge ministers for the Belagavi border dispute, Shivakumar stated, "even we have border in-charge ministers. All ministers in border areas handle the necessary responsibilities."</p><p>He also expressed concern over the constant scrutiny of his religious visits and remarks. "Whenever I visit a temple or speak about religious matters, it creates controversy," he said. </p><p>Referring to past incidents, he recalled how people from Udupi once called him "Yesu Kumar" (Jesus Kumar) because he supported the installation of a Jesus statue. "They gave me that name just because I encouraged setting up a statue," he remarked.</p><p>Shivakumar also criticised a MP's divisive remarks about the Muslim community. "That MP once said that if you cut open a Muslim’s chest, you won't find three letters (allegedly referring to 'Jai Sri Ram'). He also remarked that they are only fit to puncture tyres," he said. </p><p>Countering such rhetoric, he reaffirmed his stance on unity, stating, "I said they are our brothers, and we cannot live without them. Everyone does the jobs they are meant to do. Can we (Hindus) slaughter chicken or mutton? No, we can't do it."</p>.Congress to fight against delimitation of constituencies: D K Shivakumar.<p>Reflecting on his name and religious identity, Shivakumar added, "My father named me Shivakumar, the son of Shiva. I am also the son of Kempegowda, who stood tall like a great banyan tree. But if I visit a Shiva temple, even that is questioned."</p><p>Addressing his participation in the Kumbh Mela, he dismissed religious divisions, stating, "Does water have caste, religion, or a political party? I have also taken part in the T Narasipura Kumbh Mela. What is wrong with that?" His recent participation in the Mahashivratri event in Coimbatore has sparked political speculation, with some even suggesting he might attempt a ‘Shinde-style’ move to split the Congress in Karnataka. </p><p>However, Shivakumar dismissed such theories, stating that there was no need for such speculation. He clarified that he attended the event solely as a devotee and not for any political reasons.</p><p>His remarks received appreciation from BJP leaders Yashpal Suvarna and Sunil Kumar, who welcomed his stance on Hindutva. Responding to their support, Shivakumar said, "May they be blessed. May the state prosper. Let them also take care of their own house, " he said </p>
<p>Udupi: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar emphasised his commitment to inclusivity and governance.</p><p>Speaking to reporters on Maharashtra's decision to appoint two separate border in-charge ministers for the Belagavi border dispute, Shivakumar stated, "even we have border in-charge ministers. All ministers in border areas handle the necessary responsibilities."</p><p>He also expressed concern over the constant scrutiny of his religious visits and remarks. "Whenever I visit a temple or speak about religious matters, it creates controversy," he said. </p><p>Referring to past incidents, he recalled how people from Udupi once called him "Yesu Kumar" (Jesus Kumar) because he supported the installation of a Jesus statue. "They gave me that name just because I encouraged setting up a statue," he remarked.</p><p>Shivakumar also criticised a MP's divisive remarks about the Muslim community. "That MP once said that if you cut open a Muslim’s chest, you won't find three letters (allegedly referring to 'Jai Sri Ram'). He also remarked that they are only fit to puncture tyres," he said. </p><p>Countering such rhetoric, he reaffirmed his stance on unity, stating, "I said they are our brothers, and we cannot live without them. Everyone does the jobs they are meant to do. Can we (Hindus) slaughter chicken or mutton? No, we can't do it."</p>.Congress to fight against delimitation of constituencies: D K Shivakumar.<p>Reflecting on his name and religious identity, Shivakumar added, "My father named me Shivakumar, the son of Shiva. I am also the son of Kempegowda, who stood tall like a great banyan tree. But if I visit a Shiva temple, even that is questioned."</p><p>Addressing his participation in the Kumbh Mela, he dismissed religious divisions, stating, "Does water have caste, religion, or a political party? I have also taken part in the T Narasipura Kumbh Mela. What is wrong with that?" His recent participation in the Mahashivratri event in Coimbatore has sparked political speculation, with some even suggesting he might attempt a ‘Shinde-style’ move to split the Congress in Karnataka. </p><p>However, Shivakumar dismissed such theories, stating that there was no need for such speculation. He clarified that he attended the event solely as a devotee and not for any political reasons.</p><p>His remarks received appreciation from BJP leaders Yashpal Suvarna and Sunil Kumar, who welcomed his stance on Hindutva. Responding to their support, Shivakumar said, "May they be blessed. May the state prosper. Let them also take care of their own house, " he said </p>