BENGALURU: Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, along with his wife Usha, took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj, where the Kumbh Mela is happening, marking a move that many analysts see as Congress' soft Hindutva approach. This comes at a time when most senior Congress leaders have maintained a distance from religious symbolism, particularly in relation to Hindutva.
Shivakumar’s visit to Prayagraj follows his daughter Aishwarya's arrival at Kumbh Mela recently. The series of visits by the Shivakumar family stands in contrast with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who has largely refrained from associating with Hindutva-aligned religious activities. Siddaramaiah has been vocal in his opposition to Hindutva politics and has often taken a secular stand on various issues.
Congress remains divided on religious symbolism. While some leaders see it as necessary to connect with the Hindu electorate, others, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, have dismissed such acts. Kharge recently questioned the utility of these practices, asking, "Will our poverty be removed and will we get wealth if we take a dip in the Ganga?"
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has been targeted by BJP for undertaking temple visits and the saffron party has termed it "fancy dress Hindutva'' and an "eyewash". Rahul has visited important temples in Akshardham, Khodaldham, Dasi Jivan, Dwarkadhish, Vir Meghmaya, Bahucharaji and Somnath.
Political analysts believe that Shivakumar’s actions are part of a larger strategy by certain factions within Congress to engage with Hindu voters without directly endorsing the Hindutva ideology championed by BJP. Congress has embraced this 'soft Hindutva' in an attempt to counter the BJP’s stronghold over the religious and cultural narrative.
This divided approach could have significant political implications, particularly for Karnataka, where both Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah play crucial roles in the state’s governance and electoral strategies. While Shivakumar’s religious outreach may resonate with certain voter segments, Siddaramaiah’s secular stance appeals to another faction of the electorate, with both covering a wide array of voters.
Political analyst BS Murthy said, "Congress' ideological positioning will be closely watched. Whether the party leans further into soft Hindutva or maintains its secular stand will likely shape its electoral fortunes in the coming days.''