Bengaluru/IBNS: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has irked his party Congress and raised eyebrows of many visiting the Isha Foundation of spiritual leader Sadhguru.

Shivakumar, a Congress strongman, posted a number of pictures on X with Sadhguru from the nightlong festival, which was held on the occasion of Maha Shivratri with musical performances and meditation.

The Congress leader also reportedly shared the dias with Union Home Minister and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) BJP top leader Amit Shah at the event.

Congress leaders have criticised Shivakumar for attending Sadhguru, whom the party claims to be aligning with BJP's ideological parent Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Shivakumar wrote on X, "Sadhguru's words combine deep principles with gentle humor. We spoke at length about the intricacies of life. Amidst the serious topics, glimpses of humor provided comfort to the mind.

"Life is an endless journey. Every moment is a chapter, every smile and thought is a complement to our inner light. True wealth is inner peace, self-realization and that feeling, the truth that is alive in every moment of life."

Congress leader PV Mohan shared Shivakumar's X post and wrote, "Thanking for an invitation from someone who mocks RG, the hope of the nation&aligns with RSS’s narratives,while serving as a president of a secular party, it misleads party workers. It is Conviction rather than compromise ensures the party’s growth. Otherwise, it damages the core."

Unfazed by the criticism, Shivakumar posted another set of pictures where the Congress leader was seen visiting temples at the Isha Foundation.

He said, "Visited the Bhairavi Temple and Dhyanalinga at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore today and offered prayers.

"This place in Coimbatore is shining globally as a center of yoga, sadhana, devotion, self-knowledge and liberation, and has instilled positive thoughts in the lives of crores of people."

Though Shivakumar is speculated to be siding with the BJP, the Congress leader, who is often assumed to have power struggle within the party, rejected the rumours.

"I was born a Congressman, and my personal beliefs remain unchanged. There is a false narrative being spread about me," Shivakumar told press as quoted by India Today.

"Sadhguru visited my house and invited me to an Isha Foundation event. My daughter attended one last year. Because of this, false claims are circulating that I am leaning towards the BJP," he added.