In this image posted on Jan. 13, 2026, LoP in the Lok Sabha and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi being received by Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar upon his arrival at Mysuru airport. (@DKShivakumar\/X via PTI Photo)<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
The BJP has criticised Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar for their decision to welcome Congress MP Rahul Gandhi at the Mysuru airport instead of receiving German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Bengaluru. The party said the move showed that the Congress leadership was more focused on pleasing the party high command than on the state\u2019s development.<\/span><\/p>\nGerman chancellor received by minister<\/h3>\n
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived at Kempegowda International Airport on Tuesday. He was received by Karnataka\u2019s Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, along with senior officials. Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar were in Mysuru to receive Rahul Gandhi, who was travelling onward to Ooty.<\/span><\/p>\nBJP slams state leadership<\/h3>\n
Taking to X, BJP leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka, said the decision reflected misplaced priorities. He said the visit of the German chancellor was of major diplomatic, economic and strategic importance for Karnataka. According to Ashoka, any responsible chief minister would have personally treated the visit as an opportunity for investment, industry, employment and long-term growth.<\/span><\/p>\nAshoka alleged that skipping the reception of a leader from one of the world\u2019s largest economies showed the Congress\u2019s disregard for Karnataka\u2019s interests. He claimed political loyalty and \u201chigh command pleasing” were given priority over the state\u2019s global standing.<\/span><\/p>\nBJP leaders also pointed out that the Congress had earlier protested when Rahul Gandhi was not invited to a banquet hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for Russian President Vladimir Putin.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n