BJP Escalates Attack on DK Shivakumar as AI Video on CM Ambition Goes Viral

The Bharatiya Janata Party's Karnataka unit escalated its attack on Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Tuesday by releasing a pointed AI-generated video depicting him attempting to purchase a "Chief Minister chair" online, only to receive an "Out of Stock" notification. Posted on the party's official X handle with the caption "DK Shivakumar right now," the clip swiftly went viral, crystallising the BJP's narrative that Shivakumar's long-standing ambition to replace Siddaramaiah remains firmly blocked despite reaching the halfway mark of the Congress government's term.

The video lands amid intensifying speculation of a "November revolution" within Karnataka Congress, with Shivakumar's loyalists openly pressing the party high command for his elevation. Reports of MLAs travelling to Delhi to lobby for the rotational formula allegedly agreed upon in 2023 have added fuel to the fire, even as both leaders publicly downplay the rift. The BJP has seized the moment, using artificial intelligence tools to produce a series of satirical videos that portray the Congress leadership tussle as both chaotic and futile.

Siddaramaiah, responding to the growing unrest, placed the onus squarely on the Congress high command to resolve the matter decisively. "To put a full stop to this confusion, the high command has to take the decision," he stated, maintaining that he intends to present the next state budget and serve the full term unless directed otherwise. His remarks came as Shivakumar's supporters continued their Delhi pilgrimage, underscoring a deepening divide within the ruling party.

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DK Shivakumar adopted a more restrained tone, refusing to air internal agreements publicly and insisting that a "secret deal" among five to six senior leaders remains binding. "I have not asked to make me the CM. I believe in my conscience," he told reporters, expressing happiness at Siddaramaiah presenting another budget and emphasising collective work toward the 2028 Assembly and 2029 Lok Sabha elections. His measured response contrasts sharply with the aggressive campaigning by his camp.

The BJP's sustained digital offensive highlights the fragility of Congress unity in Karnataka and positions the saffron party as the primary beneficiary of any potential government instability. With the Congress high command yet to issue a definitive statement, the leadership impasse threatens to overshadow governance and provide the opposition with continued ammunition as the state approaches crucial by-elections and local body polls in the coming year.

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