Before the swearing-in of DK Shivakumar as Karnataka Chief Minister on Wednesday, a Kannada newspaper sparked controversy by printing an image showing the Congress leader as Lord Shiva. The Bengaluru publication now faces backlash, with critics accusing it of blasphemy and excessive political praise.
The daily Vishwavani ran a front-page story portraying Shivakumar as the deity, complete with matted hair, tiger-skin clothing, a trident and a drum. The newspaper’s editor shared the image on social media.
The depiction drew immediate objections on the day the 64-year-old leader was to assume office. Observers called the mixing of religion and political promotion irresponsible.
One social media user described it as blasphemy and questioned why people accepted it. Advocate Girish Bharadwaj said the act went against religious principles and reduced the reverence for deities. He added that such portrayals should not involve any politician.
Other users highlighted Shivakumar’s earlier legal issues, including time spent in Tihar Jail in 2019 over a money-laundering probe. Some called the image an example of overdone flattery and urged separation of politics from faith.
Critics also mocked the illustration’s quality, noting poor editing of the leader’s hairstyle onto the divine figure. The image has fueled online discussion, with many arguing that equating leaders with deities risks offending religious feelings.
Shivakumar is scheduled to take the oath at Bengaluru’s Lok Bhavan. The leadership change follows a long standoff with former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah that ended after intervention by party leadership. Shivakumar had sought the post since Congress won power in 2023.
