D.K. Shivakumar Prays for Economic Stability, Good Rainfall During Tirumala Visit

Bengaluru/Tirumala, May 2026 : Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and state Congress President D.K. Shivakumar on Tuesday offered prayers at the famous Tirumala temple in Andhra Pradesh, seeking divine blessings for the country’s economic stability, peace, and good rainfall for Karnataka.

Shivakumar’s visit to the revered Sri Venkateshwara Swamy Temple assumes political significance as discussions and speculation over leadership issues within the Karnataka Congress continue to intensify. Considered one of the strongest contenders for the Chief Minister’s post, Shivakumar had recently indicated that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah could be summoned to Delhi amid reports of internal consultations within the party leadership.

Accompanied by his wife Usha Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister offered prayers and had darshan of Lord Venkateshwara at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. He had arrived in Tirumala on Monday evening and stayed overnight before proceeding to Tumakuru later in the day to attend the Karnataka government’s mega event commemorating the completion of three years of the Congress government in the state.

Speaking to mediapersons after the darshan, Shivakumar said he prayed for the welfare of the country and the people, particularly in the context of global economic uncertainty and the challenges faced by citizens.

“I have prayed to Lord Venkateswara that the country should not suffer from an economic crisis, that everyone be blessed with strength and good health, and that the state receives good rainfall,” he said.

He further stated that he sought blessings for peace, prosperity, and stability across the nation, expressing hope that India would successfully overcome all emerging challenges.

“I have prayed that the entire country be filled with peace and that it faces its challenges effectively. I am very happy to have come here on this significant day,” Shivakumar added.

The Congress leader said he was visiting Tirumala after nearly six to seven years and expressed satisfaction over the developments and improvements carried out by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), which manages the temple administration.

“The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams has brought about many changes and developments. It has maintained discipline and cleanliness and is running a good administration. The government has done good work. I thank everyone,” he remarked.

Shivakumar also praised the efforts of the TTD administration and its chairman for efficiently managing one of the world’s most visited pilgrimage centres.

“I am delighted to have had the darshan of Sri Venkateswara. The TTD Chairman is also doing excellent work along with his team. I met the Revenue Minister here as well, and he, too, is doing outstanding work. I extend my best wishes to all of them,” he said.

His visit comes at a time when political observers are closely watching developments within the Karnataka Congress, particularly regarding future leadership equations in the state.

Team Maverick.