Key Points
Rejects BJP proximity allegations as false conspiracy
Highlights Congress party's inclusive leadership doctrine
Discusses spiritual event invitations without political motivation
Respects diverse cultural traditions
"I was born a Congressman and I cherish it. It is being misled that I am getting closer to the BJP, which is a false conspiracy against me," Shivakumar said while addressing a press conference at his Sadashivanagar residence on Wednesday.
When asked if he had visited the Mahakumbh and was now going to visit the Isha Foundation to attend Mahashivratri function in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, Shivakumar said that was a lie, as Sadguru himself came to his house to invite him.
"Sadguru came to my house and invited me to the Isha Foundation programme. He is from Mysuru. I appreciate their knowledge. My daughter went to the show last year. This time they came to our house and invited me and my family. Now, I'm going to participate in that programme. It is being misled that I am closer to the BJP on social networking sites," he said.
"I am Hindu, and I respect all cultures. The Congress party has the doctrine of taking everyone together. Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and Indira Gandhi have done the same. I have seen Sonia Gandhi celebrating the Ugadi festival. He has adopted Indianity rather than us. We have such leadership," he emphasised.
On his experience at Mahakumbh, the Karnataka Deputy CM said that it was excellent.
"I welcome the organising of the Mahakumbh Mela. This is not a normal task. It is not easy to handle such large number of people. Don't go to find the fault. There is a relationship between the devotee and the Lord in religion. Some people do business with God, and some will do business through priests," he said.
Further, speaking about Shashi Tharoor, Shivakumar said that the latter is a "great asset" of the Congress party.
"We are all united. His (Tharoor) demand is to utilise his services more. Nothing more than that," Shivakumar said.
The Karnataka Deputy CM also discussed the ongoing row over the National Education Policy (NEP) between the Centre and Tamil Nadu. He said that it is a serious issue that national leaders of the party are discussing.
"This is a serious issue and our national leaders are discussing this issue at the national level. Thus, I don't comment on this. I need to study more about this," he said.
