Political Tensions Escalate as Opposition Leader Questions Deputy CM's Priorities and Legislative Absence

In a pointed critique of governance priorities, Karnataka's Leader of Opposition R. Ashok has publicly questioned Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's engagement with the state's flagship 'Brand Bengaluru' initiative and his recent absence from legislative proceedings. Ashok's remarks, delivered with notable sarcasm, highlighted what he characterized as a disproportionate focus on religious activities—alleging over 100 temple visits and abhisheka performances by Shivakumar—over core administrative duties. The opposition leader went so far as to suggest, in a rhetorical jab, that the Chief Minister consider assigning Shivakumar the Muzari (religious endowments) portfolio to align with his apparent engagements. This statement underscores growing political friction within the state assembly, framing the Deputy CM's actions as a potential dereliction of responsibility toward critical urban development projects. The critique not only challenges Shivakumar's commitment to the 'Brand Bengaluru' campaign—a key policy for enhancing the capital's global stature—but also raises broader questions about accountability and the effective allocation of ministerial focus in Karnataka's current political landscape.