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BJP said the move showed that the Congress leadership was more focused on pleasing the party high command than on the state’s development.
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)
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’s development.
German chancellor received by minister
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz arrived at Kempegowda International Airport on Tuesday. He was received by Karnataka’s 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.
BJP slams state leadership
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.
Ashoka alleged that skipping the reception of a leader from one of the world’s largest economies showed the Congress’s disregard for Karnataka’s interests. He claimed political loyalty and “high command pleasing” were given priority over the state’s global standing.
BJP 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.
Misplaced prioritiesMissed opportunitiesToday, the German Federal Chancellor visited Karnataka – a moment of immense diplomatic, economic and strategic significance for our state.Any other responsible Chief Minsiter would have personally ensured that such a visit was… https://t.co/pDjq5Oj6q2 pic.twitter.com/t8k981Q60K— R. Ashoka (@RAshokaBJP) January 13, 2026
Merz’s Bengaluru visit
During his short stay, Chancellor Merz and his delegation visited the Bosch campus at Adugodi and the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Science. The delegation left Bengaluru the same evening.
Karnataka, India, India
January 14, 2026, 11:03 IST
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