Karnataka Horticulture Minister SS Mallikarjun faces political backlash after a purported video surfaced showing him using objectionable and derogatory language toward BJP MLA BP Harish. The incident is reported to have taken place during a public interaction in Harihar town.
Multiple outlets link the exchange to farmers raising water-supply concerns. According to reports, villagers approached the minister about irrigation and drinking water shortages tied to the Bhadra reservoir, saying they were previously directed to meet the district minister rather than the BJP MLA. In the video, Mallikarjun is alleged to have told people not to address Harish as “anna” and to use abusive language; one account also reports a remark urging villagers to “beat him with slippers.”
BP Harish strongly condemns the alleged comments and says he will approach BJP leadership about the matter. The BJP state president BY Vijayendra also condemns the remarks, escalating the row. Coverage differs mainly in how the alleged lines are quoted and described, but both sources characterize the issue as a controversy triggered by the minister’s purported language during a farmers’ program.
