Viral Video Of DK Shivakumar Throwing Bitten Apples Draws Criticism

A viral video of Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sparked a political debate and divided opinion on social media. The video, filmed during a visit to his Kanakapura constituency, shows Shivakumar taking bites from apples that were part of a ceremonial garland before tossing them into a crowd of supporters. While some have viewed the gesture as an expression of affection and camaraderie with his supporters, critics have called it inappropriate and demeaning. The BJP has seized on the controversy, accusing the Chief Minister of displaying a sense of entitlement and questioning the message such a gesture sends from the state's highest elected office. Supporters, however, argue that the incident is being blown out of proportion and was simply a spontaneous interaction with the crowd. As the video continues to circulate widely online, the debate has shifted beyond the gesture itself to questions of political optics, public conduct and leadership style. NDTV's Deepak Bopanna reports from Bengaluru.