DK Shivakumar as Lord Shiva in Kannada newspaper: Editor faces backlash
In its Wednesday edition, Kannada newspaper Vishwavani depicted Shivakumar as Lord Shiva holding a Trishul and a Damru, along with the lead story
A Kannada newspaper and its Editor are facing backlash on social media after publishing an illustration depicting Karnataka Chief Minister-designate DK Shivakumar as Lord Shiva on the frontpage on Wednesday (June 3) ahead of the Congress leader taking oath.
Shivakumar will be sworn in as the next Chief Minister of Karnataka at 4:05 PM at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru on Wednesday. He, along with 13 Ministers, will take oath.
Also read: D-day for DK Shivakumar: After years of political wrangling, the dream job
In its Wednesday edition, Kannada newspaper Vishwavani depicted Shivakumar as Lord Shiva holding a Trishul and a Damru, along with the lead story. The image of the front page was shared on X (Formerly Twitter) by the newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Vishweshwar Bhat.
The post quickly garnered attention, as netizens attacked Editor Bhat.
'Blasphemy'
“This is not fancy dress. Respect the sentiments. Need your apology . You people say something do something else. Not expected from you and your paper,” a X user replied to the post.
"This is Blasphemy... I don't know how Kannadigas are seeing it as normal," a person wrote.
“Is this journalism? No wonder Kannada media has no reputation anywhere,” another user said.
Another post said, “I never even dreamed in my wildest dreams that a front page like this would emerge from a veteran like you who's been in journalism for decades. You should feel ashamed. Portraying a person who's been to jail carrying corruption allegations like this, comparing him to God, is utterly reprehensible. It is unacceptable to insult our gods in this way under the guise of artistry. Take a moment for self-reflection.”
A person claimed this to be a “stunt” to sell more newspaper copies. “This looks some kind of mockery or a stunt to sell more newspapers, overall not in a good taste.”
“This is extremely wrong to associate any random politician to the supreme god of Sanatan Pantheon. Very poor in taste and hurtful to the crores of Hindus who read your newspaper. Please drop an apology and save some face,” said another user.