A Kannada newspaper has found itself at the centre of a controversy after publishing an illustration depicting Karnataka Chief Minister (when he was still CM designate) DK Shivakumar as Lord Shiva ahead of his swearing-in ceremony, as reported in OpIndia.
The Bengaluru-based daily Vishwavani carried the artwork prominently on its front page, portraying Shivakumar with iconography traditionally associated with the Hindu deity. The illustration showed the Congress leader with matted locks, a tiger-skin garment, a trishul and a damru.
The image gained wider attention after it was shared on social media by Vishwavani Editor-in-Chief Vishweshwar Bhat.
Vishwavani page 1 today pic.twitter.com/KQRTO5LYhx
— Vishweshwar Bhat (@VishweshwarBhat) June 3, 2026
The publication soon faced criticism online, with several social media users accusing it of blurring the line between political reporting and religious symbolism. Critics argued that depicting an elected politician in the form of a revered Hindu deity was inappropriate and offensive.
The illustration came across as blasphemous and netizens questioned the decision to associate a contemporary political leader with a religious figure worshipped by millions.
Several social media users also pointed to Shivakumar’s past legal controversies while criticising the artwork. Some argued that comparing a politician who had faced corruption-related allegations to a deity was inappropriate.
One user specifically referred to Shivakumar’s incarceration in Delhi’s Tihar Jail in 2019 during an Enforcement Directorate investigation into alleged money-laundering, questioning the newspaper’s decision to elevate him through religious imagery.
Others focused on the artistic portrayal itself, mocking the illustration and describing it as an awkward or exaggerated attempt at political image-building.
The controversy unfolded as Shivakumar prepared to assume office as Karnataka’s Chief Minister after taking oath at Bengaluru’s Glass House in Lok Bhavan.
His elevation to the state’s top post came after months of speculation over a possible leadership transition within the Congress government. The Congress high command ultimately intervened to resolve a prolonged power struggle between Shivakumar and outgoing Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, paving the way for Shivakumar to take over the chief ministership.
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