Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar experienced a somewhat embarrassing moment on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, when he took a tumble off his bicycle near the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru. The incident, which was captured on video and quickly went viral, occurred as he was concluding a symbolic bicycle ride intended to promote environmental awareness.
Earlier in the day, Shivakumar had participated in and flagged off the World Environment Day eco-walk. To further emphasize his commitment to environmental consciousness, he chose to cycle to the Vidhana Soudha, the state legislature building. He even posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter), captioning it: "In the corridors of power, I chose a cycle, because progress doesn't always need horsepower, just people power."
However, as he approached the steps of the Vidhana Soudha, the Deputy Chief Minister appeared to lose his balance. The video shows him wobbling slightly before falling. Onlookers rushed to assist him, and he was quickly back on his feet. Despite the unexpected mishap, Shivakumar seemed unfazed and continued with his schedule, delivering a speech at the event.
The incident sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, ranging from lighthearted jokes to more pointed commentary on urban mobility and infrastructure. Some users found humor in the situation, with one quipping about the Louis Vuitton stole he was wearing while cycling: "Sir, you didn't have to wear the LV dupatta even while cycling." Others questioned the safety and accessibility of cycling in Bengaluru for the average citizen. One user asked, "When can we normal folks feel safe enough to use a cycle (or even walk) for our commute? Is there any work going on for that in the corridors of power?" Another user sarcastically suggested that he try cycling on Outer Ring Road (ORR) to experience the infrastructure firsthand. There were also comments pointing out the irony of riding an electric cycle and still talking about "people power" over "horsepower."
Despite the social media buzz, the incident also highlighted Shivakumar's effort to connect with environmental causes. Prior to the fall, he actively participated in the 'Parisara Nadige (March for Environment)' event, organized by the Forest Department and the Karnataka Pollution Control Board. He was seen riding comfortably, waving to the media alongside Congress MLA and Karnataka Pollution Control Board Chairman P.M. Narendraswamy and environmentalists. Furthermore, he announced an order mandating the formation of environment and climate change awareness clubs in every school.
