Karnataka Minister's Abusive Outburst at BJP MLA Over Farmers' Water Plea Sparks Row

A Karnataka minister has landed in a political controversy after a video showed him using profane and abusive language against a BJP MLA. The incident occurred during an interaction with farmers who had sought the minister's intervention for irrigation water.

District Minister SS Mallikarjun was meeting a group of farmers from the Harihar region who requested the release of water from the Bhadra reservoir. The farmers reportedly told the minister that they were acting on the advice of Harihara BJP MLA BP Harish. This prompted an angry outburst from Mallikarjun, which was captured on camera.

The farmers explained their distress, stating, "There is no water to drink, no water for the cattle. When we ask Harish Anna, he said ask the minister." In response, the minister used derogatory language against the MLA and allegedly urged the villagers to "beat him with slippers." He also advised the farmers not to address Harish with the respectful term "anna" (big brother).

Reacting to the minister's remarks, MLA Harish condemned the language, saying that instead of addressing the farmers' concerns, the minister resorted to vulgar abuse. "Instead of behaving properly with the farmers, he has used vulgar language about me. People will teach him a lesson," Harish stated.

The controversy has also drawn sharp criticism from the state BJP leadership. Karnataka BJP chief BY Vijayendra lashed out at the minister, calling his language "unparliamentary." He noted that the minister had also abused the MLA's parents. "It is not just an insult to Harish but to the people of his constituency. If you speak in this manner just because you have power, people will decide about you in the coming days," Vijayendra said.