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Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar’s ‘apple toss’ sparks social media backlash

The comes at a time when DKS, a powerful Vokkaliga leader, continues to navigate high expectations following his elevation as Karnataka CM.

South First Desk

Published Jun 09, 2026 | 3:52 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 09, 2026 | 3:52 PM

Screengrab from the incident

Screengrab from the incident

Synopsis: Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar’s ‘apple toss’ video has sparked major social media backlash. During a welcome in Kanakapura, the CM bit into apples from a ceremonial garland and tossed the half-eaten fruit to supporters. While critics slammed the act as “arrogant and feudal”, supporters called it a “playful gesture of affection”. The viral video continues to divide netizens.

A traditional welcome for Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar turned into a viral controversy after a video of him biting into apples from a ceremonial garland and tossing the half-eaten fruit to supporters went viral on social media.

During a visit to his home constituency in Kanakapura’s Harohalli area on Monday, 8 June, Shivakumar was greeted with a large “Gajamala” — a traditional floral garland interwoven with apples, a customary gesture of respect often seen in Vokkaliga community welcomes.

In the clip, the leader is seen plucking apples from the garland, taking bites, and playfully throwing the remainder into the cheering crowd, where supporters scrambled to catch them.

The video spread rapidly across platforms, drawing sharp reactions and turning the moment into a major political talking point within hours.

Also Read: Portfolio allocation: DK Shivakumar keeps Finance, Priyank Kharge gets Home, Krishna Byre Gowda in charge of Bengaluru

‘New apple distribution model’ flayed

Critics, particularly from the opposition BJP and netizens, slammed the act as disrespectful and reminiscent of feudal-era arrogance. Many described the visuals as “disgusting,” “cringe,” and “demeaning,” questioning the optics of a senior leader throwing partially eaten food at people.

Social media users compared it to outdated hero-worship, with some dubbing Shivakumar “Shri Shri DK Shivakumar” and likening the scene to disciples receiving prasad from a godman.

Memes and sarcastic posts about a “new Apple distribution model” for loyalty flooded timelines, amplifying the story further.

Comments such as “Dei Kannadigas, what have you done?” and references to similar past celebrity incidents circulated widely.

BJP leaders and handles highlighted it as evidence of a “snobbish attitude,” asking what message it sends about treating the public.

Also Read: BK Hariprasad succeeds DK Shivakumar as Karnataka Congress president

‘Light-hearted, affection’, say supporters

On the other side, Congress supporters and some observers defended the incident as a light-hearted, affectionate interaction between the leader and his enthusiastic followers.

They argued that DKS was simply playing along with the crowd’s energy and the traditional welcome, calling the outrage overblown. Some placed the onus on the demanding supporters rather than the CM.

The episode comes at a time when Shivakumar, a powerful Vokkaliga leader, continues to navigate high expectations following his elevation as Karnataka CM.

While no formal political escalation has occurred yet, the Opposition is already using the clip to paint a narrative of arrogance and disconnect.

DK Shivakumar’s office is yet to issue a detailed response to the controversy.

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