DK Shivakumar Shortens Speech, Says PM Modi’s Message Matters More

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar cut short his remarks at a public event in Mysuru on Saturday, saying he wanted to leave more time for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to speak. The event marked the inauguration of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre, known as Viveka Smaraka, which commemorates Swami Vivekananda’s 1892 visit to the city and aims to encourage youth engagement with his ideals.

CM Trims Address for PM’s Turn

Speaking in the Prime Minister’s presence, Shivakumar noted that he had been allotted only a brief window and chose not to use all of it, saying the Prime Minister’s message carried greater importance for the nation. He added that he had much more he wanted to say but preferred not to take up time that could go toward the PM’s address.

Appeal for Centre-State Cooperation

During his shortened remarks, Shivakumar urged the Centre to back Karnataka’s development, framing the state’s progress as central to the country’s broader growth story. He pointed to Bengaluru’s global visibility as an example of how Karnataka contributes to India’s standing, and called for greater collaboration between the state and the Union government going forward. He said the entire state stood ready to work alongside the Prime Minister toward shared goals.

Modi, for his part, used the occasion to honour Swami Vivekananda’s legacy. He offered prayers, planted a sapling on the premises, and viewed a short film chronicling the spiritual leader’s life and teachings. Officials described the inauguration as a significant moment for youth outreach and the preservation of Mysuru’s cultural heritage, tying the new centre’s mission to the same ideals Vivekananda championed during his historic visit more than a century ago.