📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Politics
Slippers hurled at screen of Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar's temple puja, sparking controversy
✍️ India Today
🗓 10 Nov 2026, 01:17 PM
👁 16
Slippers were thrown at a live broadcast screen showing Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar's temple puja, leading to a heated row over decorum and political symbolism.
A live telecast of Karnataka minister DK Shivakumar performing a puja in a temple was disrupted when members of the audience threw slippers at the screen displaying the ceremony. The incident occurred during the broadcast of the ritual, which was being shown on a public display for devotees and supporters.
The act quickly drew criticism from political opponents and religious groups, who described it as a disrespectful gesture that crossed the line of civil conduct. Officials from the minister's office condemned the behavior, calling it an attempt to politicise a sacred event.
Law enforcement was summoned to the venue, and an inquiry has been ordered to identify the perpetrators. The episode adds to a series of recent tensions surrounding the use of religious platforms for political messaging in the state.
No injuries were reported, and the puja resumed after the screen was cleared. The minister later issued a brief statement reaffirming his commitment to religious traditions while urging calm and respect among the public.
The act quickly drew criticism from political opponents and religious groups, who described it as a disrespectful gesture that crossed the line of civil conduct. Officials from the minister's office condemned the behavior, calling it an attempt to politicise a sacred event.
Law enforcement was summoned to the venue, and an inquiry has been ordered to identify the perpetrators. The episode adds to a series of recent tensions surrounding the use of religious platforms for political messaging in the state.
No injuries were reported, and the puja resumed after the screen was cleared. The minister later issued a brief statement reaffirming his commitment to religious traditions while urging calm and respect among the public.