‘If I lied, I’ll quit’: Shivakumar dares BJP’s Narayanaswamy in luxury-watch row
On Friday, D.K. Shivakumar, Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister and head of the state Congress, stepped up the debate over the luxury‑watch saga, saying he would step down “today itself” if any of his revelations were shown to be false. He also threw a challenge back at Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the senior BJP figure and opposition spokesperson in the Legislative Council, inviting him to do the same.
Speaking to the press in Bengaluru, Shivakumar revealed that he has already forwarded every detail about his watches to the Lokayukta. “If I have lied about this matter, I will resign immediately. Otherwise, will he resign?” he asked. He accused Narayanaswamy of speaking without knowing the facts, saying that anyone who comments should first understand the issue and not simply be in it for publicity. “I act with more responsibility than him,” the Congress leader added.
When pressed about Narayanaswamy’s suggestion that Shivakumar might have stolen or purchased the watches, Shivakumar replied, “What does he know? I’ve submitted everything. Even the income affidavit filed with the Lokayukta is a public document – let him go check it.” He also reacted to claims that some watches were omitted from his 2018 and 2023 affidavits, retorting, “Didn’t I submit it in 2025?” He said he had shown documents only after Narayanaswamy hinted at theft and urged the opposition figure to raise the matter wherever he chooses—whether in the Assembly or elsewhere in the country.
Just a day before, Shivakumar had posted the Lokayukta affidavit on X, calling out Narayanaswamy for “speaking lies just to wag his tongue.” He added, “I am a transparent person. Don’t we – the Chief Minister and I – have the right to wear the watches we like? Don’t talk like a crow plucking a peacock’s feather. Use the constitutional powers you have with wisdom.”
The BJP had earlier questioned both Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar over reportedly expensive watches, accusing them of dodging inquiries. Narayanaswamy noted that the two leaders seemed to favor the same luxury brand, jokingingly calling it a “Congress‑affiliated company.” Referring to Shivakumar’s affidavit, he mentioned a Rolex worth ₹9 lakh and a Hublot at ₹23.9 lakh, and claimed that other high‑end pieces—including a Cartier now valued at roughly ₹46–47 lakh after tax—were not listed. He suggested they could be “stolen or purchased goods,” prompting Shivakumar’s sharp rebuttal.
— mka/pgh
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