With the impending oath taking ceremony of DK Shivakumar as Karnataka’s 34th CM, the viral clip that appears to feature Shivakumar ridiculing Congress government’s ‘Brand Bengaluru’ launch has created a social media debate. But is the video real? Here’s a fact check by The Sunday Guardian.
Did DK Shivakumar Really Mock ‘Brand Bengaluru’?
No. The viral clip that features DK Shivakumar mocking “Brand Bengaluru” is AI generated and posted by Karnataka BJP on X social media platform in the run-up to his inauguration.
The video is a mix of AI-generated images and fake voice that makes fun of Shivakumar and the Congress government. It also mocks their “Brand Bengaluru” campaign. The video uses AI images to show Shivakumar making jokes about the Congress government’s claims.
The video points out problems in Bengaluru like traffic jams, flooded roads and garbage not being collected. These issues are shown to contrast with the Congress government’s claims of making Bengaluru a great city. The video also makes fun of Bengaluru’s problems.
Watch here:
ನಿಯೋಜಿತ ಸಿಎಂ @DKShivakumar ಅವರ ಪ್ರಮಾಣ ವಚನ ಸಮಾರಂಭ. #ಮುಖಬದಲಾಗಿದೆಲೂಟಿಮುಂದುವರೆಯಲಿದೆ #NewFaceSameLoot pic.twitter.com/RAyOrhMgRf
— BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) June 2, 2026
The video was released just before Shivakumar’s oath taking ceremony. This increased the tension between the BJP and Congress are clearly evident.
Critics say that the video is part of BJP’s plan to criticize the Congress government’s work. They want to question the Congress government’s claims of governance before a new leader takes over in Karnataka.
The BJP made this video to criticize the Congress government’s claim of governance and their drive to brand Bengaluru as a global city. The Congress government’s “Brand Bengaluru” narrative is mocked in the video.
What Is Happening in Karnataka Politics?
The controversy comes on a very important day for the Congress. The party has appointed former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah as a member of the Congress Working Committee with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, Shivakumar is scheduled to take oath as Chief Minister at Lok Bhavan. Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge are expected to attend the ceremony along with several senior party leaders. The first phase of cabinet formation is also expected to focus on balancing caste and regional representation.
Fact-Check Verdict
As per The Sunday guardian fact check, this viral clip is not authentic footage of DK Shivakumar. It is an AI-generated political satire created and shared by the BJP. Therefore, claims that Shivakumar genuinely mocked or ridiculed “Brand Bengaluru” are misleading.
While the video has gained massive attention online, it should not be treated as a real speech or statement by the Karnataka Chief Minister-designate.
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