Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Karnataka Minister Faces Criticism Over Alleged Remarks Against BJP MLA
A video from Karnataka has caused a political disagreement.
It appears to show Minister S S Mallikarjun speaking about BJP MLA B P Harish.
Farmers had asked the minister for water for their area.
They called Harish “anna,” which means elder brother.
Mallikarjun said he only asked why Harish was being called that.
Harish said the minister used vulgar words and behaved badly toward the farmers.
BJP leaders criticized Mallikarjun and demanded an apology.
Mallikarjun says the video does not show him saying anything objectionable.
A purported video shows Minister S S Mallikarjun questioning BJP MLA B P Harish being called “anna.”
The incident reportedly occurred during a veterinary centre inauguration in Harihar, Davanagere district.
Farmers had approached Mallikarjun seeking Bhadra river water for irrigation in the constituency.
Mallikarjun denied using objectionable language, saying he only questioned why Harish was addressed as “anna.”
Harish and BJP state president B Y Vijayendra demanded accountability, with Vijayendra calling for a public apology.
- Who
- Karnataka Horticulture Minister S S Mallikarjun, BJP MLA B P Harish, farmers, and BJP state president B Y Vijayendra.
- What
- A purported video triggered criticism over alleged objectionable remarks by Mallikarjun about Harish.
- When
- The incident reportedly happened recently; Mallikarjun responded on Wednesday and Vijayendra commented Tuesday evening.
- Where
- At a veterinary centre inauguration in Harihar town, Davanagere district, Karnataka.
- Why
- Farmers were seeking Bhadra river water for irrigation and referred to Harish as “anna,” prompting Mallikarjun’s response.
Mallikarjun’s account
Harish and BJP’s account
Nature of the remarks
Mallikarjun’s account
Mallikarjun said he did not use objectionable language and only questioned why an elderly farmer addressed Harish as “anna.”
Harish and BJP’s account
Harish said Mallikarjun used vulgar and unparliamentary words against him, while BJP leaders criticized the minister’s conduct.
Conduct toward farmers
Mallikarjun’s account
Mallikarjun’s response characterized the exchange as a limited clarification about the form of address.
Harish and BJP’s account
Harish accused the minister of behaving rashly with farmers who were seeking water for irrigation.
Political response
Mallikarjun’s account
Mallikarjun rejected the allegations and did not indicate that a public apology was necessary.
Harish and BJP’s account
B Y Vijayendra demanded that Mallikarjun publicly apologize to Harish and the constituency’s people.
- Minister
- S S Mallikarjun, Karnataka Horticulture Minister and Davanagere district in-charge
- MLA involved
- B P Harish of the Bharatiya Janata Party
- Location
- Harihar town in Davanagere district
- Issue raised
- Farmers sought Bhadra river water for irrigation
- Minister’s position
- Mallikarjun said he only questioned why Harish was called “anna” and denied saying anything objectionable
- Opposition response
- Harish accused Mallikarjun of using vulgar words; B Y Vijayendra demanded a public apology