Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy Face Criticism Over Rs 43 Lakh Luxury Watches Amid Political Uncertainty

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar have sparked controversy by wearing luxury 'Santos de Cartier' timepieces reportedly valued at Rs 43 lakh during a recent breakfast meeting.

The BJP quickly criticized the display of wealth, particularly targeting Siddaramaiah's self-proclaimed socialist image. In a pointed statement on social media platform X, Karnataka's BJP unit remarked: "Mr Siddaramaiah, your definition of Socialism seems to come with a very high price tag. While the people of Karnataka struggle with drought and crumbling infrastructure, our 'Simple Socialist' CM flaunts a Santos de Cartier."

This controversy mirrors a similar incident from 2016 when Siddaramaiah was criticized for wearing a Hublot watch allegedly worth Rs 70 lakh. At that time, JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy raised concerns about the expensive accessory, leading to BJP demands for an investigation and approaches to the Enforcement Directorate. Siddaramaiah had defended himself by explaining the watch was a gift from a doctor friend working in the Middle East.

The BJP's recent criticism emphasized the recurring nature of such displays, noting "The brand changes. The 'socialism' remains expensive."

This controversy emerges amid ongoing speculation about potential leadership changes in Karnataka after the Congress government completed half of its five-year term on November 20. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar have held multiple breakfast meetings recently, presumably to address their power-sharing arrangement.

Sources indicate both leaders plan to meet with Congress high command in Delhi, including party President Mallikarjun Kharge and Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi, on December 8. A preliminary meeting with senior Congress figure KC Venugopal is also scheduled.

Amidst these developments, Siddaramaiah has maintained he will accept whatever decision the party leadership makes regarding his position.