Viral video of DK Shivakumar tossing half-eaten apple triggers 'feudal' jibes

Bengaluru: A video showing Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar biting into an apple and then tossing apples into a crowd of supporters has triggered a fierce debate on social media, with critics calling the act "degrading" while supporters dismissed the outrage as overblown.

The clip, which has rapidly gained traction online, captures Shivakumar during a public event in Karnataka's Kanakapura region, where he was welcomed with an oversized garland made of apples and flowers. In the footage, the Congress leader plucks an apple from the garland, takes a bite, and proceeds to throw apples toward supporters gathered at the venue. The crowd can be seen cheering and attempting to catch the fruits.

The video turned into a talking point online, with many users questioning the optics of a senior political leader distributing fruit after taking a bite from it.

According to Shivakumar's office, the elaborate apple garland had been arranged by local residents as a mark of affection and appreciation during his visit to Horahalli village in Kanakapura.

However, the visuals drew sharp criticism across social media platforms.

One user wrote that the incident reflected both "Hero-Worshipping of followers and Snobbish attitude of Political leaders," arguing that such practices have no place in a modern democracy.

Another commenter described the scene as "a feudal-era spectacle," saying that throwing a half-eaten apple into a crowd and watching people scramble for it was "cringe" and disrespectful.

Others reacted with sarcasm. One social media user joked that Shivakumar was merely demonstrating that the apples were not poisoned before distributing them. Another questioned whether the Congress leader viewed himself as a figure deserving reverence, comparing the gesture to the distribution of blessed offerings.