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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Nothing wrong in MLAs aspiring for ministerial position: K'taka HM Parameshwara
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Bengaluru (PTI): Amid a group of ruling Congress MLAs camping in Delhi with a cabinet rejig demand for their inclusion, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Monday said there was nothing wrong in legislators aspiring for ministerial positions.
He asserted that experienced MLAs were capable of handling such responsibilities.
His remarks came a day after senior and first-time MLAs stepped up lobbying efforts in the national capital with the party high command, seeking a cabinet reshuffle and greater representation.
"There is nothing wrong in them asking for it (ministerial position)," Parameshwara, a senior Congress leader, said
He added that the MLAs, some of who have been elected thrice, are capable to take up the ministerial positions.
He maintained that the final call on any cabinet reshuffle rests with the party high command.
"Our Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah), the high command, and our party (state) president (DK Shivakumar) decide about reshuffle. These three sit together and take a decision," he said.
The minister also indicated that the established procedure for cabinet formation was likely being followed.
"Earlier too, when I was the (state Congress) president, during cabinet formation, the Pradesh Congress Committee president, the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, and our in-charge general secretaries would take decisions that would then be presented before our AICC president, approval would be obtained, and then it would be announced," he said.
He added that even today the same procedure is followed.
Responding to questions on whether senior ministers would make way for newcomers, Parameshwara said they would abide by the party's decision.
"If the high command decides then we have to accept it. There is no question of not accepting it," he said.
Stressing on party discipline, he added, "Whether it is me, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, or Energy Minister K J George, we all are seniors. If they (high command) decide that we should be replaced and make changes, then there is no question of us opposing it."
Clarifying that discussions were limited to a possible cabinet reshuffle, he said decisions on leadership matters were entirely in the hands of the high command.
He said the discussions were limited only to the Cabinet rejig and not changing the party state president, a post being held by Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar for the past six years.
"Right now we are discussing cabinet reshuffle, not about the party president. All such matters are left to the high command," he said.
Recalling his own appointment as state Congress president in the past, Parameshwara said he had not lobbied for the post. "When I was made president, I did not lobby for it. Our leader Sonia Gandhi took the decision. It came as a surprise to me. I had not asked for it," he said.
On Sunday, several senior MLAs travelled to Delhi to press for a cabinet reshuffle, while first-time legislators renewed their demand for representation, seeking at least five berths in the Siddaramaiah-led ministry.
The push for a rejig comes amid internal rumblings within the ruling party and speculation over leadership issues, even as the high command is yet to take a final call.
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