Udupi, August 30, 2025: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular) (JDS) for engaging in politics centered on religion and emotions, stating, “BJP and JDS do not focus on people’s livelihoods. They play politics on religion and emotions.” He made these remarks in response to media queries in Udupi, specifically addressing a BJP-JDS meeting in Dharmasthala.

When asked if he was in Udupi to seek Lord Krishna’s blessings, Shivakumar quipped, “I’ve come for the blessings of Krishna, Ganapati, and you (the media). I need everyone’s blessings.” Addressing speculations about a “September Revolution” and whether this was an apt time for prayers, he clarified, “There’s nothing like that. Prayer is my natural practice. Udupi Krishna Math had invited me earlier, even after our government came to power, but I couldn’t come then. Now, I’m here.”