Swamijis should focus on religious work only, says Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar

Voting to all citizens of India was given by the Constitution of India. No body should question the voting rights of any community, the deputy CM said.

New Delhi: Karnataka Deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar on Wednesday said religious head should focus on religious activities only, not politics.

In a caution to Chandrashekar Swamiji of the Vishwa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthan Mutt, Shivakumar said the Swamiji should not issue controversial statement and fuel unrest in the society.

Voting to all citizens of India was given by the Constitution of India. No body should question the voting rights of any community, he said.

The DCM was reacting to a question on controversial statement by Chandrashekar Swamiji .

Swamiji on Tuesday in a public event remarked that, "Politicians prioritize votes above all else. If Muslims are denied voting rights, peace can prevail. In Pakistan, non-Muslims do not have voting rights. Similarly, in India, denying voting rights to Muslims would make them dependent and ensure peaceful coexistence."

This statement has sparked outrage, with many condemning it as divisive and inflammatory.