Actor Kishore slams 'Political' Kumbh Mela, asks ‘why should I be burdened with holy dips, melas’
Bengaluru: Popular multi-lingual actor Kishore Kumar Huli has made a post on social media questioning the need to participate in religious gatherings driven by political motives. Drawing from a childhood moral story about Lord Ganesha and Lord Karthikeya, the actor emphasized that true devotion lies in being present for one’s loved ones rather than seeking validation through rituals held under the garb of faith.
Kishore’s post comes in response to the widespread debate triggered by right-wing voices on social media, who have been calling out those who did not visit or attend the recently concluded Maha Kumbh Mela. The actor, known for his strong opinions on social and political issues, challenged the necessity of attending religious events that, according to him, place politics above human life.
In his post, Kishore recalled a childhood story where Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati had only one mango to give to their sons, Ganesha and Karthikeya. To decide who would receive it, they set a challenge—whoever could circle the world three times and return first would win the fruit. Karthikeya, swift and determined, mounted his peacock and set off on his journey around the world. Ganesha, however, simply walked around his parents, declaring, "You are my world; I don’t need to go anywhere else."
When Karthikeya returned after circling the globe three times, he was confronted with the truth—love, family, and devotion are not bound by physical journeys but by the bonds of the heart.
Kishore then applied the lesson to the present-day scenario, questioning whether his ideal should be Ganesha or Karthikeya. "When I am surrounded by those who gave me birth and my loved ones, when every drop of rain that falls on my head feels as sacred as the waters of the Ganges or the Cauvery, when every rain is like a holy dip, and every piece of land I step on is holy, why should I be burdened by the so-called holy dips and Melas that serve only political interests and do not value human life?" he wrote.
Accompanying his post, Kishore shared an image demonstrating the stark inequality at the Maha Kumbh Mela, where VIPs were treated with comfort and special arrangements, while the common man suffered immense hardships and inconveniences. The image highlighted how influential figures had access to sanitized, secure, and well-managed spaces, while ordinary devotees endured overcrowded areas, lack of hygiene, and logistical struggles.
By raising this point, Kishore called out the double standards in the way the event was organized, arguing that faith and devotion should not be segregated by class or privilege.
Kishore’s post comes amid an ongoing debate instigated by right-wing groups and social media influencers who have been questioning why certain celebrities, activists, and intellectuals did not attend the Maha Kumbh Mela. The event, which holds immense religious significance in Hinduism, was marred by logistical failures, overcrowding, and concerns over public safety. Critics argue that while the government promoted the event on a grand scale, little was done to address the struggles of common devotees.
While Kishore did not directly name any political party or group, his message was clear—religion should not be reduced to political optics, and true spirituality lies in compassion, equality, and the well-being of people rather than grand spectacles designed for show.
Kishore Kumar Huli is known for voicing his opinions on political and social matters. Unlike many in the film industry who choose to remain silent on sensitive topics, Kishore has repeatedly used his platform to raise concerns over governance, inequality, and societal issues. His views often put him at odds with right-wing factions, but they have also earned him respect among those who value independent thought and fearless expression.
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Karnataka electoral roll SIR exercise to begin from June 20
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka will begin SIR of electoral rolls from June 20 as part of a nationwide exercise covering 16 states and three Union territories, CEO Anbu Kumar said on Friday.
The drive will cover more than 5.55 crore electors in the state, he said.
As per the schedule notified by the Election Commission (EC), preparation, training and printing activities will be carried out from June 20 to June 29 and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits from June 30 to July 29.
The rationalisation of polling stations is scheduled to be completed by July 29. The draft electoral roll will be published on August 5, following which claims and objections can be filed between August 5 and September 4.
The notice phase and disposal of claims and objections will continue from August 5 to October 3, and the final electoral roll will be published on October 7, it said.
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Addressing a press conference here, CEO Kumar said that in Karnataka, the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer is fully prepared to proceed with the SIR of electoral rolls.
As part of this exercise, we have successfully mapped 86.46 per cent of our voters, he said.
"The primary objective of this entire exercise is to ensure that every eligible voter is enrolled, while simultaneously ensuring that no ineligible individuals are included in the voter list. Therefore, I seek the support and cooperation of all the voters of Karnataka, all political parties, and our friends from the media," he added.
According to the statement issued by the CEO's office, 59,050 BLOs will be involved in the SIR of the electoral roll in the state. The exercise will cover approximately 5,55,74,064 electors in the state as of May 12.
The SIR is a participative and transparent exercise involving electors, political parties and the election machinery. During the revision process, BLOs will undertake house-to-house visits for the distribution and collection of enumeration forms, the statement said.
Stating that there are currently 25,284 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by recognised political parties, the CEO urged all recognised political parties to appoint BLAs for every polling station to ensure active participation and transparency in the revision process.
Electors have been requested to cooperate with BLOs during the house-to-house distribution and collection of enumeration forms.
Further details regarding the revision process, forms and schedule will be made available on the official websites of the District Election Officers, the Chief Electoral Officer, Karnataka, and the Election Commission of India, the statement said.
