Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has issued a strong rebuttal to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Chalavadi Swamy regarding the controversy over his luxury Cartier watch. The senior Congress leader presented the affidavit he submitted to the state Lokayukta as proof of his declaration of assets, firmly asserting his right to wear timepieces of his choice.
The Affidavit and the Assertion of Rights
On 05 December 2025, Shivakumar addressed the media, directly countering the allegations made by BJP's Chalavadi Swamy. He emphasized that both he and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah have the legitimate right to wear watches they prefer. The core of his defense rested on the disclosure made to the anti-corruption watchdog.
"I have already submitted an affidavit to the Lokayukta declaring all my assets, including the watch," stated Shivakumar. This move was aimed at transparently addressing questions about the source and ownership of the high-end accessory, which had become a point of political attack.
Political Context of the Allegations
The controversy erupted when BJP MLA Chalavadi Swamy targeted the deputy chief minister over his possession of an expensive Cartier watch, implying questions about its procurement. Such allegations are common in Indian political discourse, often used to question the lifestyle and sources of income of public representatives.
Shivakumar's response was not just a personal defense but also extended to cover the Chief Minister. By stating that both he and Siddaramaiah have the right to their personal choices, he framed the issue as one of political targeting rather than a matter of procedural or legal impropriety.
Implications and the Road Ahead
This incident highlights the ongoing intense political scrutiny in Karnataka, where asset declarations and lifestyles of leaders are frequently debated. By publicly referencing his Lokayukta affidavit, Shivakumar attempted to shift the narrative from one of alleged opacity to one of compliance and declared transparency.
The strategy serves a dual purpose: it seeks to legally insulate him from corruption allegations by pointing to a formal declaration, while politically, it portrays the BJP's attack as a baseless smear campaign. The development is likely to keep the issue of politicians' assets and the efficacy of Lokayukta declarations in public discussion in the coming days.
As the political tussle continues, the focus will remain on how effectively the affidavit satisfies legal and public scrutiny, and whether this defense will quell further opposition attacks on the matter.
