Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar sparked controversy after a video surfaced of him biting an apple and tossing it into a crowd [1].
The incident has become a focal point for political opponents, highlighting tensions between the ruling party and the opposition during a period of internal party friction. Critics said the gesture shows a lack of respect for the public.
The event took place in Horahalli, located in the Kanakapura region of Karnataka [3]. According to reports, the leader took a bite from the fruit before throwing it toward the gathered supporters [2]. While some reports describe the act as involving a single half-eaten apple, other accounts suggest multiple apples were tossed into the crowd [2, 3].
The footage quickly went viral on social media, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) [1]. The opposition party has used the video to take a dig at the Chief Minister's conduct and public image [1].
This controversy arrives amid a broader power tussle within the Karnataka Congress [4]. The political climate in the state remains volatile as different factions vie for influence, making the viral clip a convenient tool for political messaging. The Janatha Dal (Secular) party also mocked the leader using an AI-generated video related to the incident [4].
Shivakumar has not issued a formal apology for the gesture. The incident continues to circulate online, fueling debates over the behavior of high-ranking officials during public appearances in India.
“DK Shivakumar sparked controversy after a video surfaced of him biting an apple and tossing it into a crowd”
The backlash over a seemingly small gesture reflects the high-stakes nature of Karnataka's current political environment. In a climate of internal party instability and aggressive opposition tactics, viral moments are frequently weaponized to frame leaders as out of touch or disrespectful to the electorate.
