Before DK Shivakumar is sworn in as Karnataka’s Chief Minister, a Kannada newspaper has found itself at the centre of a major controversy after publishing an illustration portraying the Congress leader as Lord Shiva.
The Bengaluru-based daily Vishwavani carried a front-page image showing Shivakumar dressed in the iconography traditionally associated with the Hindu deity, complete with matted locks, a tiger-skin garment, trishul and damru. The artwork was also shared on social media by the newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Vishweshwar Bhat, triggering a fierce backlash online.
Many social media users accused the publication of crossing the line between political coverage and religious symbolism. Several described the depiction as “blasphemous”, arguing that equating an elected politician with a revered Hindu deity was inappropriate and offensive.
“This is blasphemy. I don’t understand how people are treating this as normal,” one user wrote on X.
This is Blasphemy… I don't know how Kannadigas are seeing it as normal.. https://t.co/nndxDOvKrs
— ಭೀಮಾ ತೀರದಲ್ಲಿ..🏹 (@bharatvarsha03) June 3, 2026
Another questioned the newspaper’s editorial judgement, remarking that similar portrayals involving other religions would likely provoke widespread outrage.
What a fall of journalism.. lack of editorial standards .. try depicting other religions
— Siddarth Pai (@siddarthpaim) June 3, 2026
Some went further, describing the illustration as an example of excessive political sycophancy masquerading as creativity.
Never ever a supporter blasphemy laws ever but I want the stringent version of it to be slapped on this bhatta for this appalling bootlicking act of his pic.twitter.com/RdWdI9RtYy
— ಅಭಿಷೇಕ್ | Abhishek (ಕನ್ನಡ ದೇಶ ಗೆಲ್ಗೆ) (@abhispake) June 3, 2026
The controversy also drew criticism from legal and public figures. Karnataka-based advocate Girish Bharadwaj said the portrayal undermined the sanctity of Hindu deities and should never be used for political glorification.
“Representing politicians as gods is against Dharma and diminishes the reverence associated with our deities,” Bharadwaj wrote, expressing disappointment with the newspaper.
Using Bhagawan Shiva’s image to draw comparisons with politicians like D.K. Shivakumar reflects a disappointing and irresponsible standard of journalism. If this is being done to curry favor with a potential new Chief Minister, it is deeply unfortunate. I never expected such… https://t.co/ntXJTTFAuY
— Girish Bharadwaj (@Girishvhp) June 3, 2026
Several social media users also pointed to Shivakumar’s past legal troubles, arguing that comparing a politician facing corruption-related allegations to a deity was inappropriate.
One social media user referenced Shivakumar’s 2019 incarceration in Delhi’s Tihar Jail during an Enforcement Directorate money-laundering investigation, questioning the decision to elevate him through religious imagery.
Others mocked the artwork itself, with some users criticising its execution and calling it an awkward attempt at image manipulation.
The episode has ignited a wider debate on the intersection of politics, religion and media ethics. While supporters viewed the illustration as symbolic and celebratory, detractors argued that invoking sacred religious imagery for political personalities risks offending believers and trivialising faith.
The controversy comes as Karnataka prepares for a major political transition. Shivakumar is scheduled to take oath as Chief Minister at Bengaluru’s Glass House in Lok Bhavan, ending months of speculation over a leadership change. The Congress high command eventually intervened to resolve a prolonged power tussle between Shivakumar and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, paving the way for Shivakumar’s elevation to the state’s top post.
