DK Slogans, Watches and Politics: Shivakumar Turns Mangaluru Airport into Congress’ Spotlight Moment

Bengaluru, Dec 2025 : Defending the slogans chanted by his supporters demanding that he be made Karnataka Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar urged people to take it in a “sporting spirit.” Speaking at Mangaluru International Airport in the presence of Congress National General Secretary and Lok Sabha MP K.C. Venugopal, Shivakumar clarified that his supporters have been chanting such slogans for over a decade, and it is a natural part of political expression.

Responding to questions regarding the pro-Shivakumar slogans raised in front of Venugopal, Shivakumar said, “The slogans ‘DK, DK’ have been going on for the last 10 years. There is nothing wrong in it. Some people chant slogans in Modi’s name, some chant ‘DK’. Some shout ‘Rahul, Rahul’, some say ‘Siddu, Siddu’. There is nothing wrong in it. People speak out of love and affection. We should take it in a sporting spirit.”

He added, “Admirers raise slogans. In politics, there will always be slogans both for and against us. We cannot bother too much about it.”

When asked about Minister Satish Jarkiholi’s comment that power is not permanent and that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah might step down before completing 30 months in office, Shivakumar remained diplomatic. “I will not comment on statements made by our party leaders. I am the spokesperson for my party and for myself,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister also addressed the controversy surrounding the expensive watches worn by him and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “This is my own watch. I bought it seven years ago and paid Rs 24 lakh through my credit card. You (media) can check my credit card details. I have also declared it in my election affidavit,” he said.

Regarding Siddaramaiah, a self-described socialist, wearing an expensive watch, Shivakumar commented, “The Chief Minister has every right to wear the watch of his choice. He has the capacity to buy it. People are passionate about watches. My father had seven watches. He liked watches. Who should wear them after he passed away? Either me or my brother.”

On the incident of pro-D.K. slogans in front of Venugopal, Shivakumar’s brother and former Congress MP D.K. Suresh said, “Some people may have shouted out of admiration, but they did not lay siege to anyone.”

Suresh also responded to the Chief Minister’s remark that politics is not permanent for anyone, stating, “There is no need to give much importance to comments the Chief Minister made while speaking to someone. There is no need for overanalysis.”

On the purpose of Venugopal’s visit to Karnataka, Suresh noted, “He has come because there is a programme in Mangaluru. After the event, he will leave for Kerala as local body elections are being held there.”

The pro-Shivakumar slogans had created an awkward moment earlier when Venugopal arrived at Mangaluru International Airport. A large number of supporters, led by local leaders, began chanting slogans in favor of Shivakumar after Siddaramaiah stepped out of the airport and received state honours from the district administration. In response, supporters of the Chief Minister raised slogans in his favor, leading to a tense and embarrassing moment for the Congress party.

The incident highlights the ongoing factionalism and rivalry within the state Congress, even as senior leaders like Venugopal visit to engage with party events. Despite the tensions, Shivakumar reiterated the need to maintain a positive, sporting approach to such political expressions, emphasizing that admiration and enthusiasm among supporters are natural in politics.