A political controversy has erupted in Karnataka after state minister S.S. Mallikarjun allegedly made derogatory remarks against BJP MLA B.P. Harish during a meeting with farmers in Davanagere district.
The incident took place when a group of farmers from Harihar approached the minister seeking the release of irrigation water from the Bhadra reservoir. Farmers reportedly told Mallikarjun that BJP MLA Harish had asked them to meet the district minister regarding the issue.
According to a video that has surfaced online, the minister is heard telling the farmers to “beat him with slippers” while referring to Harish and also objected to them calling the MLA “Anna.” The remarks quickly triggered a political row, with the BJP accusing the Congress minister of using abusive and unparliamentary language.
Reacting to the controversy, Harihar MLA B.P. Harish said he learned about the incident from farmers who were present at the meeting. He alleged that instead of addressing the farmers’ demand for water, the minister insulted him using vulgar language.
Harish said the people of Harihar would give a fitting reply through democratic means and added that he would raise the issue with the Karnataka BJP leadership before deciding on further action.
Karnataka BJP president B.Y. Vijayendra also condemned Mallikarjun’s remarks, calling them “unparliamentary” and an insult not only to the MLA but also to the people of Harihar constituency.
The Congress government has not yet issued a detailed response to the controversy. Meanwhile, the issue has intensified the ongoing political confrontation between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka over governance and farmers’ issues.
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