Bengaluru, Dec 5 (LatestNewsX) – Amid the growing controversy over luxury watches, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, who chairs the opposition in the Legislative Council, told reporters on Friday that he “cannot help” if his comments have upset Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state president, D.K. Shivakumar. He added that “political adjustment drama is not my style.”
Speaking from his office in Vidhana Soudha, Narayanaswamy insisted his remarks were not a personal attack.
“If my remarks on the watch issue upset D.K. Shivakumar, what can I do? Even now, his Hublot watch is not visible. It is not in the affidavit. You have now given details of the Cartier watch to the Lokayukta. Earlier, it was not mentioned – that too is a violation,” he said.
He went on to explain that his intention was not to create a scandal but to highlight the issue responsibly.
“I’ve known Shivakumar since college. He is my friend. He has risen to great heights. If we had similar opportunities, we too could have progressed. If you wear a hundred watches, I’ll be happy as a friend. But my only question is: why was it not mentioned in the affidavit?”
Narayanaswamy also urged Shivakumar to show due respect for the office he now holds.
“We are not new friends. We have been close since college. Today you are Deputy Chief Minister, and even leaders in your own party want you to become Chief Minister. I’m happy for you. I’m not jealous. I don’t own Cartier, Rolex or Hublot watches. I have only one Titan,” he remarked.
He kept repeating that he had never alleged theft on Shivakumar’s part.
“Earlier, the Hublot gifted to the Chief Minister became controversial and was handed over to the government. It’s now in the Vidhana Soudha museum. As per your submission to the Lokayukta, the Rolex is valued at Rs 9 lakh, one Cartier at Rs 23.90 lakh and another Cartier at Rs 12.06 lakh. In that case, where is the Hublot?” he asked.
He added that while Shivakumar declared a Rolex and a Hublot on page 38 of his election affidavit, the Cartier was missing in the 2018 and 2023 filings—even though it had been worn for years.
Shivakumar had previously challenged Narayanaswamy, saying he would resign immediately if any information he had provided about his watches turned out to be false, and asked whether the BJP leader would step down if proven wrong.
“I have provided all details wherever required, including to the Lokayukta,” Shivakumar said on Friday. “If I have lied, I will resign today itself. Otherwise, will he resign?” he challenged.
mka/pgh
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