Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who celebrated his 64th birthday on May 15, undertook a temple visit in Tamil Nadu.

After priests offered special prayers at his residence on Thursday (May 14) morning, Mr. Shivakumar, accompanied by his family members, visited the Murugan temple in Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu to seek the deity’s blessings.

Mr. Shivakumar, who has aspired to become Chief Minister since the Congress victory in the 2023 Assembly elections, has been regularly visiting temples across Karnataka and other parts of the country.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah extended birthday greetings to his deputy. “Heartiest birthday greetings to the Deputy Chief Minister of the State, dear @DKShivakumar. Your party loyalty and ideological commitment are an example to the youth. I pray to God to grant you long life, good health, and strength to fulfil your desire to serve the people,” the Chief Minister posted on X.

The public greeting, accompanied by a photograph of the two leaders together, was seen as reflecting a strong partnership amid the prevailing political discussions in Karnataka.

Raising a banner of support

In Bengaluru, Belagavi, and several other parts of the State, supporters of Mr. Shivakumar put up banners and hoardings wishing him on his birthday. Some banners in Belagavi described him as the “Next CM of Karnataka”. Supporters of Mr. Shivakumar celebrated his birthday by cutting cakes and offering prayers in temples in Ballari and Belagavi.

Congress Ballari MP E. Tukaram said the Congress high command would resolve the leadership issue in Karnataka just as it had done in Kerala, apparently hinting that Mr. Shivakumar could become Chief Minister soon.

Responding to the installation of banners, Mr. Shivakumar said: “I had warned that banners should not be put up, or cases would be filed. Even then, supporters installed them out of admiration. I have personally instructed many people and had the banners removed.”

“About 50 banners have been taken down. Putting them up is wrong. I have also instructed the City Corporation officials to remove them immediately. BJP leaders too have put up banners during visits by their leaders, and those will also be removed,” he added.