Published: June 3, 2026 β’ 12:32 PM IST Β· Updated: June 3, 2026 β’ 6:17 PM ISTBy TheBriefWire Editorial Team
Key points
Ahead of the oath-taking ceremony of DK Shivakumar as Karnataka's Chief Minister on Wednesday, a Kannada newspaper has triggered a controversy after publishing an illustration depicting the Congress leader as Lord Shiva.
The Bengaluru-based newspaper is now facing criticism, with many (including critics) accusing it of "blasphemy" and "political sycophancy".
Kannada daily Vishwavani's lead story on Wednesday portrayed Shivakumar as the Hindu deity Shiva, complete with jata (matted hair), tiger-skin attire, a trishool and a damru.
The illustration was also shared on X by the newspaper's Editor-in-Chief, Vishweshwar Bhat, on Wednesday.
The depiction of Shivakumar as Hindu deity Shiva quickly sparked outrage on the day the 64-year-old Congress leader is set to take the oath as the Karnataka CM.