Karnataka Deputy CM Clarifies “Misconstrued” Remark on Kerala Temple ‘Black Magic’

Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed his earlier statement regarding alleged “black magic rituals” near a temple in Kerala, stating that his remarks had been “misconstrued.” He clarified that he did not claim these rituals took place within the temple but on private land nearby.

Speaking to reporters at the City Civil Court, Shivakumar emphasized that his intention was never to suggest that the “Shatru Bairavi yaaga” against him and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah occurred within the Raja Rajeshwara temple in Kerala. Instead, he mentioned the temple to indicate the location of the alleged rituals.

Responding to a Kerala minister’s statement that no animal sacrifices happen at any Kerala temples, Shivakumar expressed respect for Kerala, its temples, and its people. He reiterated that his statement was misunderstood and that he did not intend to offend anyone’s sentiments.

While Shivakumar declined to delve into the details of who might be behind the alleged black magic rituals, he welcomed the Kerala minister’s decision to launch an inquiry into the matter.

Earlier, the Raja Rajeshwari Temple in Kerala had refuted Shivakumar’s claims, denying that black magic rituals, including animal sacrifices, occurred within its premises. A trustee of the temple board emphasized that the temple should not be dragged into political controversies.