Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s remark about wanting to lead a “simple life” has drawn criticism from the state BJP, which pointed to luxury accessories associated with the Congress leader in the past.
The Karnataka BJP shared a post on X targeting Shivakumar’s claim, contrasting his reported Rs 50 haircut with luxury items including a Rolex Daytona, a Louis Vuitton scarf and a Cartier watch.
“₹50 haircut = simple living 😌 Rolex Daytona + LV scarf + Cartier watch = also simple living apparently 💀 HYPOCRISY PRO MAX,” the Karnataka BJP said in the post.
The BJP also shared two photographs, one showing Shivakumar wearing a luxury watch and another showing him wearing a Louis Vuitton scarf.
Why Shivakumar Spoke About ‘Simple Life’
The BJP’s criticism came after Shivakumar spoke about his lifestyle at a news channel’s programme.
“I want a simple life. Afterall what is there, how much can you eat, how much can you. Its a small basic courtesy,” Shivakumar said.
He was responding to a story about how he continues to pay RS 50 for a haircut, with the amount remaining unchanged despite him becoming the Chief Minister.
The remark about his haircut and simple lifestyle subsequently became the focus of the BJP’s criticism.
₹50 haircut = simple living 😌
Rolex Daytona + LV scarf + Cartier watch = also simple living apparently 💀???????????????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????. https://t.co/RcPgUAVrTO pic.twitter.com/DG3qQKqz0X
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) August 26, 2026
Rolex Daytona, LV Scarf
The BJP post titled “DK’s ‘Simple Living’” drew attention to a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona associated with Shivakumar.
According to the information shared in the post, the luxury watch is estimated to cost between Rs 15.6 lakh and Rs 1.4 crore, depending on its model, specifications and materials. The Rolex Daytona is described as one of the world’s most sought-after luxury watches.
The post also referred to Shivakumar’s preference for premium brands, which has sparked discussions and which he has publicly defended on multiple occasions.
The photographs accompanying the BJP’s post were used to highlight the contrast between Shivakumar’s statement about living simply and the luxury accessories featured.
The other major item highlighted by the BJP was a Louis Vuitton Reykjavik scarf, which is priced at around Rs 1 lakh, according to the information shared in the post. The scarf is as an international fashion statement showing Shivakumar’s preference for luxury accessories.
One of the photographs shows Shivakumar wearing the blue Louis Vuitton scarf, which carries the brand’s distinctive monogram pattern.
