In Karnataka politics, the scandal around costly watches has intensified. Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, is being fiercely confronted by Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over claims about his expensive watch.
When Narayanaswamy questioned the origin and accounting of his Cartier watch, Shivakumar retaliated angrily. The Deputy Chief Minister offered the Lokayukta his affidavit as conclusive evidence refuting the opposition’s allegations.
“If I have lied about the watch, I will resign today,” he said, taking the challenge straight to Narayanaswamy. Will Narayanaswamy step down if not?
Shivakumar encouraged the opposition leader to personally review the affidavit and cautioned him against making assertions “merely for publicity.” He confirmed that all disclosures had been made, even in 2025, demonstrating a steady track record.
Shivakumar reaffirmed his position by personally criticizing Narayanaswamy on social media and accusing him of disseminating “falsehoods.”
“Mr. @NswamyChalavadi, please take a moment to review the affidavit I submitted to the Lokayukta,” he wrote in his post. Speaking lies out of convenience is not only immoral for someone in a position of authority, but it also compromises your integrity. Do neither CM Siddaramaiah nor I have the right to wear the watch of our choice? I implore you to abstain from making irrational comments and to use your constitutional power sensibly.”
He invited the MLC to “visit the Lokayukta office and verify my affidavit.”
But the verbal battle didn’t stop there. In a prompt counter-reply, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy welcomed the documents’ release while launching a fresh line of inquiry centered on earlier affidavits.
Narayanaswamy confirmed his current claims and acknowledged Shivakumar’s claim that he bought the watch. He said, “We are not jealous; DK Shivakumar can wear a hundred watches.”
There is “no information about the Cartier watch” in the 2018 and 2023 affidavits, according to the opposition leader, who switched the attention to the lack of information in earlier disclosures.
