A Call for Spiritual Purity: Kumaraswamy Urges Seers to Steer Clear of Political Waters

In a direct and rather pointed message, former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, affectionately known as HDK, has made a compelling plea to the state’s revered religious seers: please, step back from the messy world of politics. His appeal comes at a crucial juncture, right when the political atmosphere is heating up for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, and it seems a specific incident truly prompted his remarks.

The immediate trigger for HDK's strong words was the recent actions of B.Y. Vijayendra, the State President of the BJP. Vijayendra had reportedly embarked on a series of visits to various seers, particularly in areas like Shivamogga and Chitradurga, openly seeking their blessings and, implicitly, their support for his party's electoral prospects. For Kumaraswamy, this was a clear overstep, a deliberate attempt to draw spiritual figures into partisan battles, which he believes undermines their sacred role.

HDK articulated his stance quite clearly, emphasizing that seers occupy a unique and deeply respected position within society. Their primary calling, he reminded everyone, is one of spiritual guidance, fostering social harmony, and engaging in selfless community service. When they begin to make political statements, endorse specific parties, or actively encourage voters one way or another, it inevitably blurs these lines. He worried that such actions could inadvertently diminish the very sanctity and impartiality that makes them so influential.

He didn't shy away from history, either, citing examples of seers who, in the past, ventured too deeply into the political arena and, unfortunately, faced repercussions. He brought up Kashinath Swamiji of Kalaburagi and even Shivamurthy Murugha Sharanaru of Chitradurga, suggesting that their political involvement ultimately led to a decline in their public standing or even controversies. It was a potent reminder, really, that aligning with transient political power can come at a steep cost to spiritual authority.

Kumaraswamy didn't hold back in his criticism of the BJP either, directly accusing the party, and specifically Vijayendra, of cynically exploiting the spiritual influence of seers for electoral advantage. He questioned the very premise: if the BJP is as strong and popular as it claims, why the perceived need to enlist the spiritual community for support? It seemed to him a tacit admission of weakness, a reliance on external, non-political factors to sway public opinion.

Ultimately, HDK's message was a heartfelt plea for the preservation of spiritual integrity. He urged seers to uphold their revered status, to remain above the fray of day-to-day politics, and to continue serving society in their traditional, unifying capacity. After all, he argued, their true power lies not in political endorsements, but in their unwavering commitment to spiritual values and social welfare, a role that should ideally transcend all partisan divisions.