Bengaluru: In a startling allegation,, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar raised allegations of arcane sabotage against him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, claiming that political adversaries are resorting to black magic rituals conducted by 'Aghoris' and 'tantriks' at a temple in Kerala to destabilise their government.
Addressing the media here, Shivakumar claimed he had credible intelligence about a clandestine yagya (special worship) being orchestrated by 'Aghoris' in the seclusion of a site near the Rajarajeshwari temple in Kerala.
He labelled the ritual as ‘Raja Kantaka’ and ‘Marana Mohana Stambhana’ yagyas, purportedly devised to eliminate political adversaries and erode the authority of the Congress-led administration.
The Deputy CM detailed grisly sacrifices of 21 red goats, three buffaloes, 21 black sheep, and five pigs purportedly carried out by the practitioners. While refraining from directly pointing fingers at specific political factions, Shivakumar hinted at the involvement of Karnataka-based leaders.
In a statement fraught with defiance, Shivakumar remarked, "Let them persist in their endeavours; I remain undeterred. My faith shields me against their machinations."
When queried about launching a counter-ritual, Shivakumar’s response was resolute: "I devote a minute of prayer to God each day before commencing my duties." Exuding unwavering faith, he expressed nonchalance towards the alleged mystical onslaught aimed at him.
Amidst the extraordinary claims, Shivakumar also disclosed plans for a legislative conclave scheduled for June 2 in Bengaluru. All MLCs, MLAs, and MPs are invited to deliberate on party affairs and the impending MLC election.
Revealing insights into the candidate selection process, Shivakumar divulged that 65 individuals have been shortlisted from a pool of 300 aspirants, in consultation with the party’s high command.
Notably, he affirmed a commitment to bestow an MLC post upon Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s son, Dr Yathindra Siddaramaiah, who relinquished his MLA seat for his father’s benefit.
In a bid for inclusivity, Shivakumar underscored the imperative of regional representation beyond Bengaluru's precincts.