Would new Shivakumar’s Hindu identity help widen Congress’ appeal?

Bengaluru: Ever since DK Shivakumar was crowned chief minister-elect, an uneasiness has swept through sections of the Karnataka Congress unit over his open embrace of the Hindu faith — a facet of his persona that sets him apart from most other Congress members.

Shivakumar’s repeated assertion that he is a “proud Hindu” has fuelled a debate over whether his stint at the top would inject a different political tone to Congress in Karnataka, especially on issues linked to religion and Hindutva.

While his predecessor Siddaramaiah built his political identity around constitutional values, social justice, and the Ahinda coalition, Shivakumar is widely seen as adopting a more accommodative approach towards religious and cultural issues.

On the floor of the legislative assembly, he candidly admitted that he attended RSS shakhas while in school and twice recited the RSS prayer ‘Namasthe Sadhavathsale’, reinforcing the perception that he is comfortable engaging with groups associated with the Hindutva ecosystem.

But those who have worked closely with him scoffed at suggestions that it would influence his style of governance. “He has time and again said that being a Hindu is his personal belief and not something to be mixed with politics,” said a parliamentarian. “He continues to respect all religions. Shivakumar has been, and will be, a true Congressman in his outlook.”

However, BJP has often highlighted Shivakumar’s religious identity to counter Congress’ criticism of Hindutva politics. Hours after Shivakumar was elected Congress Legislature Party leader, Gangavathi MLA and former BJP minister Gali Janardhana Reddy remarked: “He is a true Hindu and there is no doubt in it.”

Shivakumar’s praise for Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s management of the Kumbh Mela and his sharing the stage with Union home minister Amit Shah at the Isha Foundation’s Maha Shivaratri celebrations have contrasted with Congress’ sharp political opposition to BJP at the national level.

Observers say Shivakumar could seek to convert his broader acceptability among sections of Hindu voters into an electoral advantage, especially since consolidation of Ahinda votes is no longer a given with Siddaramaiah’s exit. His well-known faith in religion, astrology and vaastu is also seen as resonating with sections of the urban middle-class and rural communities, areas where he is still working to strengthen his mass appeal.

Whether that personal image translates into political gains for Congress will become clearer as Shivakumar begins shaping his govt.