DK Shivakumar under fire for remarks on Kannada actors, BJP and JD(S) slam his 'threat' to film industry

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar faced backlash from the opposition BJP and JD(S) for his remarks on Kannada film actors, with critics accusing him of intimidating the film industry.  

At the inauguration of the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival on Saturday, Shivakumar expressed disappointment over the absence of actors at the event. He also criticized them for not participating in the 2021 Mekedatu Padayatra, a protest rally organized by the Congress. He remarked that the government “knows where to turn the screw,” implying that it could exert pressure on the industry if needed, as per TOI report.

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His comments sparked strong reactions from opposition leaders. BJP leader R Ashoka hit back, saying, “The film industry is not like Congress party workers, whom you treat with disrespect. Actors are not your party workers. Learn to respect them and do not expect everyone to follow your wishes.”  

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy of JD(S) also criticized Shivakumar, saying, “The people of Karnataka gave Congress 138 seats to run the government, not to tighten anyone’s nuts and bolts. If that’s what he wants to do, there are others in society for such work. His job is to govern.”   

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Even within the Congress, Shivakumar’s remarks left some party members in a tough spot. Congress MLC and former minister Umashree, who is also an actor, defended him, saying, “His words should not be seen as a threat. His close connection with the film industry made him speak out in frustration about actors not joining the Padayatra.” 

Despite the criticism, Shivakumar stood by his statement. Speaking in Udupi on Sunday, he said, “I only spoke the truth. Kannada actors have always supported causes related to our land and water, yet only a few joined the Mekedatu Padayatra. The BJP even booked cases against actors like Prem, Duniya Vijay, and Sadhu Kokila for participating in the protest. The film festival is for the industry, and we expect their cooperation.”