Bengaluru, Dec 4 (NationPress) In response to the remarks made by the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy, questioning whether the luxurious watches flaunted by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar were bought or pilfered, Shivakumar sarcastically quipped that he had indeed stolen the watch from Narayanaswamy's home.

While addressing reporters at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on Thursday, Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress President D.K. Shivakumar retaliated against the BJP's criticism regarding his high-priced watches, asserting that he has been completely open about his acquisitions.

“I have made a full disclosure regarding the expensive watches in my possession. I know the details of that watch's purchase—what do BJP leaders actually understand about it?” he questioned.

In response to Narayanaswamy's claim that he failed to mention his pricey watch in his affidavit, Shivakumar countered, “What do they know? I am aware of my affidavit; I am the one who financed it using my credit card. I have declared everything transparently. I have even acknowledged owning a Rolex. There is nothing for me to learn from Narayanaswamy.”

With a sarcastic twist to Narayanaswamy’s accusation regarding the watch being stolen, Shivakumar replied, “Yes, I took it from his house.”

When questioned about the women employees' conference, Shivakumar noted, “Our administration has rolled out various initiatives to empower women. After I took over as the Minister for Irrigation, I inspected the Ettinahole project site. There, an individual had encroached on government land, obstructing the project. I provided specific directives to the three women IAS officers present, and they resolved the issue within a month.”

“Women excel in every aspect; they often work more systematically than men. This is why we are advocating for their empowerment. Today, we have shown our support for the Women Employees’ Association program. Discrimination should not exist—men and women are equal,” he stated.

The Karnataka BJP on Thursday criticized both the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister for their luxury watches, questioning why they tend to change the subject whenever asked about them. The party further inquired whether these watches were indeed purchased or if they were stolen.

During a press conference at the BJP state office, Jagannath Bhavan, in Bengaluru, Chalavadi Narayanaswamy questioned why Chief Minister Siddaramaiah allegedly avoids direct answers when asked about his expensive watches. “Why do you change the subject when inquired about the watches?” he posed.