# Shivakumar sparks row with remark on MLAs’ two marriages

2026-09-26T00:56:48+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has sparked a political controversy by claiming that around a dozen MLAs who moved to Bengaluru have two marriages. He made the remark in the Assembly on Thursday while speaking about the city's growing population and urbanisation. Shivakumar said he could name legislators from districts including Dharwad and Dakshina Kannada but did not disclose their identities. The BJP has strongly criticised the comment. Leader of the Opposition R Ashoka called it an unnecessary statement that casts suspicion on MLAs who relocated to Bengaluru. Senior BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar said the remark created unhealthy curiosity and did not enhance the dignity of the Assembly. Both demanded that Shivakumar reveal the names of the legislators he was referring to.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All three sources report the same facts: Shivakumar's claim, the BJP's demand for names, and the lack of any disclosure. The coverage is uniform straight reporting with no discernible slant. The BJP's framing is that the remark is undignified and casts suspicion, while Shivakumar's office has not clarified whether the comment was serious or a joke. The Assembly is likely to see further exchanges when it reconvenes.

## Coverage

- indiatoday.in (neutral report) <https://www.indiatoday.in/india/karnataka/story/karnataka-assembly-row-dk-shivakumar-two-marriages-remark-mlas-ptag-3003163-2026-09-25?utm_source=rss>
  Leads with the controversy and quotes both sides without slant
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/theres-a-sword-hanging-over-every-mla-dk-shivakumars-two-marriages-remark-triggers-row/articleshow/134490506.cms>
  Reports the remark, BJP response, and context of drought debate
- ndtv.com (neutral report) <https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/dk-shivakumars-two-marriages-remark-on-mlas-sparks-row-12099512#publisher=newsstand>
  Brief report focusing on the remark and BJP criticism

Tags: BJP, DK Shivakumar, Karnataka, R Ashoka, Vidhana Soudha
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