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BJP–Congress Row Over S.S. Mallikarjun Remarks Against B.P. Harish
Pradeep S V 10 Sept 2026 3 min read 341 views
Bengaluru, September 10, 2026: A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after a purported video of Horticulture Minister S.S. Mallikarjun surfaced, showing him allegedly making objectionable and unparliamentary remarks about Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA B.P. Harish during an interaction with farmers in Harihar, Davanagere district. The incident has triggered criticism from the BJP and added to the political confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition party.
Dispute Over Bhadra Water Release
The incident reportedly occurred when a group of farmers from the Harihar region approached Minister Mallikarjun regarding the availability and release of irrigation water from the Bhadra reservoir. During the interaction, the farmers reportedly referred to local BJP MLA B.P. Harish and said they had earlier raised the issue with him.
According to reports, Mallikarjun questioned why Harish was being addressed as “anna”, a term commonly used to refer respectfully to an elder brother. The conversation subsequently turned contentious, and a video circulating on social media allegedly showed the minister using derogatory language against the BJP legislator.
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BJP MLA B.P. Harish strongly criticised the minister, accusing him of using vulgar language against an elected representative instead of addressing the concerns raised by farmers.
Harish said the controversy arose while farmers were seeking a solution to the water shortage affecting the Harihar region. He also indicated that he would take up the matter with the BJP's state and district leadership before deciding on further action.
BJP Demands Apology
The controversy has drawn a strong reaction from Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra, who condemned the language attributed to Mallikarjun. Vijayendra said that remarks of this nature against an elected MLA were unacceptable and demanded a public apology from the minister.
The BJP has argued that the controversy is not simply a personal dispute between two politicians, but also concerns the dignity of an elected representative and the people of the constituency.
Mallikarjun's Response
Mallikarjun has denied making an objectionable statement, saying that his comments were related to why the farmers were addressing Harish as “anna”. The minister maintained that he was questioning the use of the term rather than intentionally making an offensive statement against the MLA.
Political Tensions Intensify
The incident has added another point of confrontation between the Congress government and the BJP opposition in Karnataka. The controversy also comes against the backdrop of a wider political dispute over irrigation water and the Bhadra reservoir, an issue that directly affects farmers in the region.
With both sides exchanging strong statements, the episode has quickly developed from a local disagreement over water into a wider Karnataka political controversy. The BJP is seeking an apology, while the minister has defended his comments and rejected the allegation that he deliberately made an objectionable statement.
The controversy is likely to remain a political talking point as the Congress government and BJP continue their confrontation in the state. At the same time, the underlying issue of irrigation water for farmers in the Harihar region remains central to the dispute.
“Karnataka Minister S.S. Mallikarjun has sparked a political controversy after a video purportedly showed him making derogatory remarks against BJP MLA B.P. Harish during a discussion with farmers over Bhadra reservoir water. The BJP has condemned the remarks, with B.Y. Vijayendra backing Harish, intensifying the ongoing Congress-BJP political confrontation in Karnataka.”
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By Shivani CH • 104 views
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