BLAMING THE MESSENGER: HOW KARNATAKA’S TOP LEADERS ARE HIDING BEHIND THE MEDIA

 In Karnataka’s political theatre, the ongoing tussle for the Chief Minister’s chair between Siddaramaiah and D.K. Shivakumar has played out in plain sight for months. Processions, statements, counter-statements, symbolic shows of strength, veiled warnings, and open endorsements by their respective loyalists have been routine. Yet, astonishingly, both the Chief Minister and his deputy insist that this simmering rivalry is nothing more than a “media creation.” Nothing could be farther from the truth.

D.K. Shivakumar repeated this claim yet again yesterday, dismissing the reports of internal conflict as inventions of the press. It is a familiar refuge for politicians cornered by their own actions. When the narrative turns unfavourable, when their ambitions peek out too visibly, when their followers go overboard in public mobilisations, the political class does what it has always done—blame the media and hope the public will stop asking questions.

But the public has been watching, and the reality is too obvious to conceal behind such flimsy excuses. If the media is indeed responsible for creating this rift, how does one explain the relentless activism of the leaders’ own supporters? Why have Shivakumar’s loyalists taken to the streets in rallies and gatherings, staking his claim to the top post? Why are leaders such as H.C. Mahadevappa and K.C. Rajanna, known for their closeness to Siddaramaiah, regularly making statements in his defence? And how does D.K. Suresh, the Deputy Chief Minister’s brother and loudest cheerleader, fit into this imaginary conflict? His daily sparring with the opposing camp is hardly the handiwork of reporters.

This deliberate attempt to pin blame on the media reveals a deeper political instinct—a desire to simultaneously conduct an internal war and deny its existence. In essence, both leaders want the freedom to continue their power struggle while expecting the media to close its eyes, remain tactful, and pretend that nothing is happening. It is an absurd ask. When leaders openly wage a battle for supremacy, when their lieutenants trade public barbs, and when the state government’s image suffers in the process, journalists cannot be expected to mute themselves.

What is more troubling is the muted response of journalist bodies in Karnataka. Every time politicians lash out at the press, the organisations that should defend press freedom opt for silence or, worse, return to the same leaders seeking comments and interviews. This keenness for access has slowly chipped away at the media’s institutional confidence. If the political class knows it can berate the press without consequence, it will continue to do so.

The rivalry within the government is real, visible, and politically consequential. To call it a creation of the media is not just dishonest—it is insulting to the intelligence of the very citizens these leaders claim to serve. Shooting the messenger will not hide the message. Karnataka deserves clarity, accountability, and stable governance, not a leadership that blames journalists for exposing its internal fractures.

Politicians may choose denial. The media should not.

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