Bengaluru, 13 Jan

The Opposition BJP asked why Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar did not receive German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his visit to the City.

Leader of the Opposition in the State Assembly R Ashoka alleged that the Congress leaders instead chose to be in Mysuru to receive senior party leader Rahul Gandhi, saying they had “misplaced priorities”.

"Any other responsible Chief Minister would have personally ensured that such a visit was accorded the seriousness it deserved—as an opportunity for investment, industry, employment and long-term growth for Karnataka," Ashoka wrote on X.

Calling it more than just "poor optics", the BJP leader said the episode reflected a "deep disregard for the State’s interests."