'No Need To Go To Maha Kumbh Mela, Visit Here Instead': Karnataka DCM Shivakumar After Prayagraj Visit Sparks Row

The 13th edition of the historic Kumbh Mela in T Narasipura, often referred to as South India’s Prayagraj Kumbh, officially began on Wednesday.

Shivakumar’s remarks sparked a political controversy, with Leader of Opposition R. Ashok responding with a pointed remark.

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Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has urged residents of the state to participate in the ongoing Kumbh Mela at Triveni Sangam in T Narasipura, Mysuru district, instead of traveling to the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, reported The Hindu. The 13th edition of the historic Kumbh Mela in T Narasipura, often referred to as South India’s Prayagraj Kumbh, officially began on Wednesday, drawing thousands of devotees and saints from across Karnataka and beyond.

Shivakumar, who recently visited the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj and took a holy dip with his family, cited the overwhelming rush at the Uttar Pradesh event as a reason for his suggestion. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, he said that going to Prayagraj now was challenging so instead people could visit Triveni Sangama in T Narasipura for the holy dip, as per a report on India Today.

The Kumbh Mela at Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Kaveri, Kabini, and Spatika Sarovara rivers, features key rituals such as holy baths, spiritual discourses, and cultural programs. These events are expected to continue over the next few days, adding to the religious fervor and drawing even larger crowds.

However, Shivakumar’s remarks sparked a political controversy, with Leader of Opposition R. Ashok responding with a pointed remark. He questioned whether the 'sins' caused by DK Shivakumar would go away as he took a dip in Ganga. Ashok highlighted the contrast between Shivakumar’s recent visit to Prayagraj with his family.

Earlier, Shivakumar, who is also the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president, along with his wife Usha, took a holy dip at the Sangam in Prayagraj. This series of visits by the Shivakumar family has drawn attention, particularly in light of Siddaramaiah’s more reserved approach to such religious events.