Karnataka
Karnataka CM takes a bite of an apple, then throws it into a crowd of supporters; video goes viral
Bengaluru/IBNS: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar found himself at the centre of social media attention after a video showing him throwing part of an apple into a crowd of supporters during a public event in Kanakapura went viral.
The incident occurred during a gratitude tour of his home constituency following his recent swearing-in as chief minister.
Supporters organised an elaborate welcome for the Congress leader, featuring a giant garland made of apples and flowers.
Unusual gesture draws attention
During the event in Harohalli town, Shivakumar stood atop his vehicle and interacted with supporters who had gathered in large numbers to greet him.
Videos from the event showed the chief minister plucking apples from the oversized garland, taking a bite and then tossing the remaining portion towards the crowd of cheering Congress workers.
The massive garland, reportedly made from hundreds of kilograms of apples and flowers, was lifted using a crane as part of the celebrations marking his elevation to the state's top political office.
Video goes viral
Footage of the moment quickly circulated across social media platforms, attracting widespread attention and generating varied reactions.
Supporters described the act as a playful and spontaneous gesture aimed at connecting with the crowd.
Karnataka: DKS takes a bite of an apple, throws it into the crowd, supporters scramble to grab it! 😭
— ShilpaSur (@NovaShil) June 8, 2026
And they have the audacity to call others "Andh Bhakts"! pic.twitter.com/fJxJS1bPFM
Others questioned the optics of throwing a partially eaten fruit during a public political event.
The clip continued to gain traction online as users debated the incident and shared their views.
Grand welcome in political stronghold
Kanakapura, located in Karnataka's Ramanagara district, has long been regarded as Shivakumar's political bastion and remains one of the Congress leader's strongest support bases.
Throughout the tour, supporters welcomed him with flower showers, giant garlands, firecrackers and chants celebrating his appointment as chief minister.
Addressing the media during the visit, Shivakumar thanked voters and party workers for their continued support.
"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," he said.
Temple visits and public outreach
As part of his constituency tour, Shivakumar also visited several prominent temples and offered prayers.
The visit marked one of his first major public outreach programmes after assuming office.
He was sworn in as Karnataka Chief Minister along with 13 ministers on June 3, following the resignation of Siddaramaiah on May 28.
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