Bengaluru, 12 Dec 

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s comments in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, where he credited astrology for shaping his political journey, sparked a lively debate. He recounted how, during former chief minister SM Krishna's cabinet, he had to "kick the door" to secure a ministerial post.

Shivakumar reminisced about the events of 1999, when, despite being a trusted aide to Krishna, he was initially left out of the list of ministers approved by the Congress High Command. The night before the swearing-in ceremony, after discovering he had been excluded, Shivakumar consulted his astrologer, Dwarakanath.  

"The astrologer told me that I wouldn't get the ministerial post easily," Shivakumar said. "He advised me that I wouldn't get a berth unless I 'kicked and demanded' it."

Following this advice, Shivakumar went to Krishna’s residence around 2am and insisted on being included. Krishna and his family tried to pacify him, citing astrological reasons, but Shivakumar remained firm. Ultimately, Krishna convinced the High Command, and Shivakumar was inducted into the ministry.

The remarks prompted Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka to quip, "From his statements, it’s clear he can’t achieve anything without kicking doors or people. So, whose doors will you kick next to become Chief Minister?" He also mentioned that Shivakumar’s astrologer had predicted he must become Chief Minister by January 2025, or miss the opportunity due to unfavourable stars.

Shivakumar responded with a smile, "If I reveal what my astrologer told me, over 30 BJP and JD(S) MLAs might switch sides." Ashoka quickly retorted, "Does that mean you might join BJP?" causing laughter in the assembly. -Agencies