Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar recently celebrated his 63rd birthday in the serene forests of Kabini, encountering elephants and deer amid majestic landscapes.
Describing his experience, he noted how “the backwaters of Kabini whispered calm,” sharing a moment of reflection on social media. “A silence that said more than words ever could,” he added.
However, notable was the absence of a birthday message from Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who had publicly celebrated Shivakumar’s birthday the previous year. This silence did not go unnoticed by BJP leader R Ashoka, who quickly pointed out the lack of acknowledgment, suggesting that the strained relationship between the two leaders was evident.
Ashoka remarked, “the entire state knows” about the rift, indicating that it must be serious if Siddaramaiah didn’t wish his own Deputy on this significant day. While this perspective may be one-sided, it raises intriguing questions about political camaraderie.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has consistently celebrated birthdays of prominent figures, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to other state leaders, making the lack of a greeting for Shivakumar striking. This omission comes in the context of ongoing tensions between the two, highlighted by incidences of discord including both personal and factional conflicts.
The question remains: does a social media post signify the health of a political relationship? R Ashoka certainly believes it does. Meanwhile, DK Shivakumar’s choice to embrace tranquility might suggest a deliberate approach, hinting that some silences indeed resonate louder than words.
