Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar Embraces North-Facing Rituals, BJP Plans New HQ in Lucknow Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has adopted a unique ritual of positioning himself and his office spaces to face north, a practice rooted in his spiritual beliefs and astrological preferences. The 64-year-old leader, who assumed office on June 3, 2026, has rearranged his new administrative setup to ensure he is always oriented toward the north. This decision was emphasized during his first cabinet briefing, where he stated, “Whatever anyone does, it has to be facing north.” Shivakumar’s commitment to this practice extends beyond his personal workspace. During his swearing-in ceremony on June 4, 2026, he adhered to astrological advice by taking the oath at 4:05 pm. Following the ceremony, he entered the Vidhana Soudha, the state legislature’s headquarters, through the North gate, a symbolic gesture. Inside the building, the seating arrangements for media briefings were completely reconfigured. Previously, media personnel and officials occupied the sides closest to the entrance, but Shivakumar’s new orientation prompted a reversal of these setups, with the conference hall’s layout adjusted to prioritize north-facing positions. The practice of facing north is tied to Hindu astrology, where the direction is associated with Lord Kubera, the deity of wealth. Shivakumar, already recognized as the wealthiest MLA and sitting chief minister in the country, has embraced this symbolism. While the exact motivations behind his ritual remain unclear, his actions highlight a blend of spiritual tradition and political symbolism. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced plans to establish a new headquarters in Lucknow, leveraging the expertise of real estate magnate Sanjay Seth.#lucknow #bharatiya_janata_party #karnataka_chief_minister #vidhana_soudha #d_k_shivakumar
Siddaramaiah Sets New Budget Record in Karnataka Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is set to present his 17th state budget, marking a significant milestone in his political career. This achievement places him second in the country, trailing only Gujarat’s Vajubhai Vala, who has presented the state budget 18 times. Siddaramaiah’s record highlights his long-standing commitment to fiscal management and governance. The budget presentation underscores his role as a key figure in Karnataka’s economic planning. His tenure as Chief Minister has been characterized by efforts to balance state finances while addressing developmental priorities. The 17th budget is expected to reflect his vision for sustainable growth and infrastructure development in the state. Other leaders with notable budget records include: K. Rosaiah: Former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, who presented 16 budgets during his tenure. T. Golaknath: Former Chief Minister of Assam, who presented 15 budgets over three terms. V. R. Neduncheliyan: A veteran Tamil Nadu leader who presented 14 budgets as Finance Minister. R. Hegde: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and Finance Minister, who presented 13 budgets. K. M. Mani: A seasoned Kerala politician who presented 13 budgets during his career. Siddaramaiah’s record also includes his contributions as Deputy Chief Minister, where he presented six budgets under the leadership of H. D. Deve Gowda, J. H. Patel, and N. Dharman Singh. These experiences have shaped his expertise in fiscal policy, positioning him as a key architect of Karnataka’s economic strategy. The upcoming budget is anticipated to address critical areas such as education, healthcare, and rural development, while also focusing on fiscal discipline.#gujarat #siddaramaiah #karnataka_chief_minister #vajubhai_vala #karnataka_budget
