Kumaraswamy apologises to Adichunchanagiri seer

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Saturday publicly apologised, saying if his statement, made in the backdrop of the recent political developments, had hurt Nirmalanandanatha Swami, seer of Adichunchanagiri Mutt.

Speaking at the Krishi Mela in Mandya, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, “There is no other seer as learned as Nirmalanandanatha Swami. I had only said that seers should not be used in political situations, with the intention that he should not be disrespected in any way.”

The Union Minister had earlier hit out at the seer after the latter backed Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s claim to the post of Chief Minister.

“No seer came to my rescue when I lost power. Seers and politicians have different jobs cut out for them. It is not a good trend to drag caste and religion into the political arena,” Mr. Kumaraswamy had said.

On Saturday, Mr. Kumaraswamy clarified, “Balagangadharanatha Swami had once taken to the streets to protect the dignity of society. He always wished in his heart that H.D. Deve Gowda should become the Chief Minister. He had immense affection for me as well. If my words have caused any disrespect to Nirmalanandanatha Swami, I apologise publicly.”