Opposition leader R. Ashok criticized D.K. Shivakumar, asserting that he is akin to Eknath Shinde, with many in Karnataka sharing similar traits. Speaking at Vidhana Soudha, Ashok remarked that Shivakumar had expressed intentions to seize the Chief Minister's position using his talent. He criticized Shivakumar for attending the Kumbh Mela while pointing out that senior Congress leaders like Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi did not attend the event. He noted that Shivakumar attended the Kumbh Mela with his family and returned home, interpreting their participation as a sign lasting until the auspicious date of November 16.
Addressing the Kumbh Mela attendance, Ashok emphasized that while it is not unusual for party leaders to involve themselves in religious events, there seems to be rising criticism within the Congress party regarding Shivakumar's personal visits to events like the Isha Foundation, which have been attended by notable figures including Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah.
Ashok mockingly suggested that the Congress should expel Shivakumar from the party to understand the consequences. He reiterated his earlier statement concerning the deadline in November, stating that while astrologers might not have predicted D.K. Shivakumar's fate, he was simply sharing what he deemed as 'truthful intuition.' He further criticized Siddaramaiah as a weak Chief Minister who does not possess mass appeal and suggested that Shivakumar's comments imply his own status as a true leader.
