Faith & governance: Is Shivakumar overplaying the spiritual card?

Bengaluru: Barely a week into his tenure as chief minister, DK Shivakumar has made headlines not only for policy decisions but also for a string of highly visible religious engagements ranging from temple visits and mutt interactions to homas, special rituals and consultations with astrologers.Faith has always been part of Shivakumar’s public persona, but what is drawing attention is the prominence these activities have acquired at a time when his administration is expected to establish its governance agenda.On his first day in office, Shivakumar announced several sops and development measures, including free bus passes for students and Rs 2,000 crore to repair Bengaluru roads. Yet, much of the public discussion centred on the religious symbolism surrounding his swearing-in ceremony.The contrast with his immediate predecessor Siddaramaiah is stark. Although often targeted by political opponents as anti-Hindu or atheist, Siddaramaiah consistently maintained that he believed in God, visited temples and respected religious traditions. But his public image was shaped largely by welfare programmes, social justice initiatives and governance rather than overt displays of faith.MB Maramkal, political strategist, says the approach reflects a larger calculation. “For years, BJP has accused Congress of being uncomfortable with overt expressions of Hindu faith,” he said. “Across India, Congress members have responded by highlighting their own religious credentials. Shivakumar’s public embrace of faith may be part of that broader effort to challenge BJP’s narrative and reassure Hindu voters that Congress is not disconnected from religious traditions.”But Maramkal also sees a challenge. “BJP’s appeal among large sections of Hindu voters is not based simply on temple visits or public rituals. It is rooted in an ideological Hindutva framework that has been cultivated for decades,” he said. “Competing with BJP through religious symbolism risks endorsing BJP’s political framing while offering voters little reason to choose Congress instead.”The debate has taken the focus off several pressing issues, including concerns over rainfall, Bengaluru’s infrastructure problems, traffic congestion, water shortages, industrial competition, unemployment, and fiscal pressures.MN Patil, political commentator, said public attention can be won through symbolism, but govts are ultimately judged by performance.“Temple visits may generate headlines, homas may create optics, and astrological consultations may satisfy personal beliefs, but none of them can solve civic problems or improve public services,” he said. “Shivakumar’s greatest political strength has always been his reputation as an organiser, negotiator and troubleshooter. If that image is gradually replaced by one centred on rituals and religious optics, the govt risks sending the wrong signal at a time when it needs to project administrative purpose.”Patil said the real test for the new administration would be delivery. “Voters are not going to judge the Shivakumar govt by the number of temples visited or seers consulted,” he said. “They will judge it by roads built, investments attracted, jobs created and promises delivered. The challenge for Shivakumar is ensuring that faith remains a personal asset rather than becoming the defining narrative of his administration.”