Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s remarks regarding cine artists at the Bengaluru International Film Festival sparked strong backlash from the Opposition BJP. Leader R Ashoka criticized Shivakumar for implying that artists must support Congress to gain recognition, asserting that they are not party workers and deserve respect. Nikhil Kumaraswamy from Janata Dal Secular emphasized that artists have the right to choose their participation in political movements. Shivakumar’s comments were made after he expressed frustration over low attendance from the film industry at political events, linking participation to the government’s support for filming permissions and addressing water issues in Bengaluru.
Bengaluru:
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s remarks concerning film artists have sparked strong protests from the Opposition BJP in the state. R Ashoka, the Leader of the Opposition, stated that it is up to the artists to decide whether they participate in political protests, accusing Shivakumar of exhibiting a “bad mindset.” He added, “Artists are not slaves of the Congress party, and despite their backing, films are not achieving success,” in a statement.
“Artistes are not your party workers. Do not treat artists as you would your party workers. Learn to respect artists,” was a rough translation of his message on the social media platform X.
“Dear DCM DK Shivakumar, it is not the Congress party’s prerogative to determine whether film artists will join the political march. Your assertion that artists who support the Congress party will receive recognition while those who do not will not, does not bring honor to your role.
“Threats and intimidation have no place in a democracy. The BJP government had offered substantial support to the film industry. If actor Ambareesh were here today, he would have provided a strong rebuttal. The film industry needs to condemn such statements, as they disrespect artists. D.K. Shivakumar should apologize,” he mentioned in his statement.
Nikhil Kumaraswamy from Janata Dal Secular remarked that it is the right of actors to support any movement within the state. “Some might opt not to participate to avoid being aligned with any particular party,” he commented.
On Saturday, while inaugurating the Bengaluru International Film Festival, Mr. Shivakumar criticized the film fraternity for its low attendance at the event and during the Congress’s Mekedatu padayatra. He stated, “If the government does not allow shooting, they cannot produce a film. They cannot move forward with filming. I also know precisely where to tighten the nuts and bolts, please understand that,” he said.
He further reiterated his comments in response to the backlash.
“This film festival is not a private affair for certain politicians and actors. It is an event for the entire industry, yet only a handful of artists have participated. Why should the government organize a film festival if the actors, directors, producers, and exhibitors lack interest? Treat this as either an appeal or a warning, but the film fraternity must attend such events moving forward,” stated a message from his office.
The statement further clarified his position on the foot march, emphasizing its objective was to secure drinking water for Bengaluru.
“The Mekedatu padayatra aimed to ensure drinking water for Bengaluru. It was a struggle for the state’s interests. Despite Covid, Siddaramaiah and I undertook a 150 km padayatra. Few from the film industry showed up to support, even after we invited everyone. I am frustrated by it,” he stated.
The 2022 foot march called for the establishment of a balancing reservoir in the Kanakapura taluk of the Ramanagara district.