A video circulating widely on social media captures a Muslim youth offering prayers in Mecca while holding a photograph of DK Shivakumar, invoking divine intervention for him to become the Chief Minister of Karnataka. The dramatic imagery — mixing religious devotion with political aspiration — has reignited debates and speculation about leadership change within the Karnataka Congress.
What the Video Shows & Who Is Behind It
The individual in the video has been identified as Rizwan Pasha, a youth Congress leader from Bengaluru’s southern division. In the footage, he addresses the camera in Mecca, holding a photograph of DK Shivakumar and his brother DK Suresh, declaring:
“DK Shivakumar and DK Suresh are like my two eyes… I have come to Mecca from Karnataka to pray to Allah that DK Shivakumar becomes Chief Minister. I urge the Congress and Rahul Gandhi to grant him that position.”
He frames the prayer in spiritual and emotional terms, appealing to both religious sentiment and political loyalty.
The video was also circulated by News18 Kannada and picked up by regional media outlets.
Political Context & Reactions
Ongoing Leadership Speculation
Karnataka politics has been simmering with rumors of a change in leadership. Some Congress MLAs and functionaries have publicly expressed the view that DK Shivakumar deserves to be Chief Minister. In July 2024, for example, a Congress MLA had publicly stated that Shivakumar “built the party” and should be elevated to the top post.
However, both DK Shivakumar and incumbent Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have repeatedly denied any talks of leadership change. Siddaramaiah has insisted he plans to complete the full five-year term. On several occasions, both leaders have urged caution, saying that speculative statements only cause confusion.
Religious Undertones & Sensitivities
The use of Mecca — one of the holiest sites in Islam — as the backdrop for a political appeal is a bold move. It is likely to strike a chord emotionally within certain sections, while also risking backlash for mixing religion and politics so explicitly.
Some observers may see it as a symbolic attempt to project his support base among Muslims; others might criticize it as an inappropriate conflation of faith and statecraft.
Internal Party Dynamics
The video comes amid other symbolic gestures supporting DK Shivakumar. Earlier in October 2025, a Congress MLA undertook a nine-day fast during Navratri, praying for Shivakumar’s ascension as CM. Meanwhile, the high command in New Delhi has so far maintained silence on any leadership shuffle in Karnataka.
Some traditionalists within the Congress might view this viral video with unease — concerned about optics, religious sensitivities, and the risk of internal factionalism.
Significance & Potential Impact
- Public Sentiment Gauge: The video serves as a barometer of internal sentiment within Congress ranks and among youth sympathisers. A visible, emotional plea like this might compel party leadership to take note.
- Media & Narrative Setting: By combining politics with spiritual imagery, it shifts media narratives from cold calculations to emotional frames. In tightly fought political arenas, such imagery can influence perception disproportionately.
- Risk of Polarisation: Such acts run the risk of deepening communal sensitivities or being used by opponents to accuse the Congress of casting politics in religious hues.
- Pressure on High Command: If more such gestures emerge, they could pressure the Congress high command to respond — either by placating such emotions or publicly clarifying their stance.
What to Watch Going Forward
- Official Response from Congress Leadership
Whether Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, or other senior leaders acknowledge or condemn the video, and how they respond publicly. - Reactions from DK Shivakumar & Siddaramaiah
Whether DK Shivakumar distances himself (or embraces) this act, and how Siddaramaiah handles internal pressures. - Repeat Symbolic Acts
If more Congress workers or MLAs perform similar devotional acts, it could escalate the internal contest into the public-religious domain. - Media Amplification & Backlash
Whether rival political parties, media houses, or public opinion push back on the blending of faith and politics.
