Amid a leadership dispute in Karnataka, banners proclaiming Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar as the “next Chief Minister” emerged in Belagavi and other locations during celebrations for his 64th birthday. The hoarding, displayed at Channamma Circle in Belagavi, also conveyed birthday greetings to Shivakumar. Congress leader and Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Lakshmi Hebbalkar’s son, Mrinal Hebbalkar, reportedly put up the banner.
It is noteworthy that Shivakumar is considered the mentor of Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, and Hebbalkar’s brother Channaraj Hattiholi is a Congress MLC. Despite Shivakumar’s prior appeal to party members not to display banners or posters for his birthday, a banner projecting him as the future Chief Minister of Karnataka was prominently showcased. This display, despite warnings from Shivakumar himself, sparked fresh political discussions and public interest in the region.
On his birthday, Vedic scholars and priests visited D.K. Shivakumar at his residence in Bengaluru to extend their greetings by chanting Vedic hymns. Additionally, Minister for Medical Education & Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood Department, Sharan Prakash Patil, met Shivakumar at his home to wish him a happy birthday. Shivakumar, while addressing the media in Bengaluru, acknowledged the celebrations and expressed gratitude for the love and support shown by his friends and supporters.
Shivakumar mentioned that despite his instructions to refrain from erecting banners, many individuals displayed banners out of affection. He emphasized the need for cleanliness in Bengaluru and instructed civic agencies to remove all banners, including those put up by the Opposition BJP. Responding to criticism from Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy and the BJP, Shivakumar stated that opposition and criticism are natural, highlighting the positive impact of his work on the people of Bengaluru for years to come.
