Video: DK Shivakumar bites apples, tosses it into cheering crowd

Newly-elected Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who was on a gratitude tour in his home constituency of Kanakapura, decided to cheer his supporters with an unusual gesture. He took a bite from an apple in a massive fruit garland presented to him and tossed the remaining portion into a cheering crowd of Congress workers.

The incident took place in Harohalli town during Shivakumar’s visit to the constituency following his elevation as chief minister. Supporters organised a grand welcome for the Congress leader, including an oversized garland made of hundreds of kilograms of fresh apples and flowers, which was lifted using a crane.

Standing atop his vehicle amid loud cheers from party workers and residents, Shivakumar plucked apples from the giant garland, took a bite, and threw the remaining piece towards the crowd gathered at the rally venue.

Videos of the moment quickly went viral on social media, drawing mixed reactions. While supporters described it as a light-hearted gesture to connect with the crowd, others questioned the optics of the act during a political event.

Kanakapura, located in Karnataka’s Ramanagara district, is considered Shivakumar’s political stronghold, where he enjoys significant support among Congress workers and local residents.

The chief minister received a rousing welcome during the tour, with huge garlands, flower showers, bursting crackers and chants of “DK DK” greeting him at multiple locations across the constituency.

“I have come to Kanakapura today. I also spoke to party workers in Harohalli and Kaggalipura. I pay my respects to the people of Kanakapura, who blessed me and elected me to the Assembly eight times. It is because of you that I am sitting in the chief minister’s chair at Vidhana Soudha today,” Shivakumar told the media during the visit.

He also visited several prominent temples along the route and offered prayers.

Shivakumar was sworn in as chief minister along with 13 ministers on June 3 following the resignation of Siddaramaiah on May 28.

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