Supporters of jailed Kannada actor Darshan disrupted Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's address at the Sri Chamundeshwari Devi Karaga Mahotsava in Ramanagara on Tuesday night, 5 August, repeatedly chanting 'D-Boss' slogans and demanding government intervention in the actor's ongoing legal case. Shivakumar, visibly rattled at points, appealed for calm and reminded the gathering that the matter was sub judice and beyond political reach.

How the Disruption Unfolded

Shivakumar had inaugurated the religious festival in Ramanagara, Bengaluru South district, and was addressing the crowd alongside Minister H.C. Balakrishna, MLAs Iqbal Hussain, Belur Gopalakrishna, and Uday Kadlur, MLCs S. Ravi and Ramojigowda, and former MLAs Raju and Ashwath. As he began speaking, a section of the audience broke into sustained 'D-Boss' chants, demanding relief for Darshan, who is lodged in jail in connection with a sensational fan murder case.

The Chief Minister initially responded with composure. 'I understand your feelings. I understand love for D-Boss. You need to be patient,' he told the crowd. When the sloganeering persisted, he urged them to stop, saying he had 'got to know everything' — signalling that their message had been heard.

Shivakumar Loses Patience

As the chants showed no sign of abating, Shivakumar grew visibly frustrated. 'It is not good to chant D-Boss slogans like this. Do you want this programme to be held or not?' he asked the gathering. When supporters continued regardless, he said sharply: 'Once you have told me, I have understood. You are spoiling everything by doing this. Be quiet.' In a moment that was widely captured on video, an exasperated Shivakumar remarked, 'You don't understand anything. Let them call D-Boss himself,' before returning to his chair.

Ramanagara MLA Iqbal Hussain then stepped in, taking the microphone to urge the crowd to maintain decorum and respect the sanctity of the religious event.

What the CM Said After Calm Was Restored

Once order was re-established, Shivakumar resumed his address and reiterated that the government could not intervene in a court matter. 'This is a sacred event. I respect your love and fandom. Don't try to pressurise me. This is a court matter and, even as the Chief Minister, I cannot do anything. If I respond to your demands, people will say D.K. Shivakumar is succumbing to pressure,' he said.

He urged Darshan's supporters to place their trust in God rather than political channels. 'Like how I prayed to God, you also pray, and everything good will happen. I am your servant. Keep this in mind. I am the son of Ramanagara, and you should know how to support this son of the region,' he said.

Videos Go Viral, Public Attention Spikes

Footage of the incident spread rapidly on social media on Wednesday, drawing widespread comment. The episode underscores the intense public sentiment around Darshan's case and the pressure it places on elected officials, particularly those representing constituencies with strong fan-base presence. Notably, this is not the first time Darshan's legal troubles have spilled into public forums in Karnataka — the case has repeatedly drawn crowds and commentary well beyond the courtroom. As the trial proceeds, the incident in Ramanagara signals that political figures in the state can expect continued pressure from the actor's supporters.