The Aryavarth Express
Belagavi (Karnataka): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday firmly dismissed rumours surrounding what was reported as a key political dinner meeting held the previous night.
Addressing the media, Shivakumar clarified,
“Who said? There was no dinner meeting or anything. I had gone for dinner to my former DCC president to pay respect. They contributed a lot to Karnataka and Belagavi. So to honour them, I went along with my friends. There is no politics in it.”
BJP Intensifies Attack on Siddaramaiah Government
Meanwhile, Karnataka BJP leaders launched a sharp offensive against the Siddaramaiah-led government, calling it the most unpopular administration the state has seen.
Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka claimed,
“Compared to Siddaramaiah of 2013, the Siddaramaiah of 2025 is the worst. This term is the most unpopular in Karnataka’s history.”
BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy alleged that the ongoing power-sharing tussle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy Shivakumar has paralysed governance.
He said the Congress leadership was engaged in “leg-pulling,” adding that the CM’s insistence on completing a full five-year term had sparked anger within the DK Shivakumar camp, ultimately hurting the state’s interests.
IPL Matches Likely to Return to Chinnaswamy Stadium
In a separate development, Shivakumar signalled that IPL matches could soon resume at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, months after games were suspended following a tragic stampede at RCB’s victory celebrations.
“We are positive about IPL matches,” he said. “We have asked Home Minister Dr. Parameshwar to meet with the cricket association. They must follow and respect the Cunnah report. We want IPL and all matches to continue—we don’t want Bengaluru’s image to be spoiled.”
In September, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) outlined its long-term fan-support initiative RCB Cares. The franchise has also provided ₹25 lakh each in financial aid to the families of the eleven victims who died in the June 4 stampede outside the stadium.
The incident deeply shocked the cricketing community and RCB fans nationwide, prompting a renewed focus on crowd management and safety at major events.
