# Karnataka political disputes over water and land

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-political-disputes-over-water-and-land
> Updated: 2026-10-06T11:07:04.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 2.

Political tensions in Karnataka have centered on allegations of government mismanagement regarding water resources and land administration.

Initial disputes involved accusations against Mines and Horticulture Minister SS Mallikarjun, who was reportedly accused by BJP MLA BP Harish of using profane language toward farmers seeking irrigation water from the Bhadra reservoir. Subsequently, Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy escalated criticisms, calling for a Lokayukta investigation into the Siddhartha Trust over alleged land allotment irregularities and condemning the 12-year delay of the Yettinahole drinking water project.

As the drought crisis intensified, Karnataka Leader of the Opposition R. Ashoka criticized the Congress government for an inadequate response, noting that crop losses affected more than 50 percent of the area and citing approximately 10 farmer suicides. 

In response to the escalating agricultural crisis, the state government released Rs 1,250 crore as an initial installment of drought relief to assist farmers, including sugarcane growers. Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara noted that 217 taluks have been declared drought-hit, with total damages estimated between Rs 50,000 crore and Rs 60,000 crore. Despite this, R. Ashoka continues to allege that the administration is not adequately addressing farmer distress and has urged central study teams to recommend higher relief. Additionally, water shortages are intensifying in the Delta region as Mettur dam levels dropped to 33 percent capacity, prompting farmers to seek government action plans for alternative crops.

## Claims

- There was an attempt to delete more than one lakh voters in Karnataka. (disputed by 2 sources)
- The Chief Electoral Officer stated that no voters have been deleted based on Form-7 objections to date. (disputed)
- A conspiracy is underway to fraudulently delete legitimate voters, specifically targeting minority, Dalit, and Backward Class communities. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Tens of thousands of computerized Form-7 applications were pre-printed at BJP headquarters and distributed to local cadres. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- BJP leader R Ashoka stated that removing the Chief Election Commissioner requires a formal parliamentary process and presidential approval. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- BJP and JD(S) workers forcibly snatched and burned over one lakh Form-7 voter deletion applications. (single source)
- Chief Minister DK Shivakumar claimed an attempt was made to conduct a sting operation against him. (single source)
- HD Kumaraswamy alleged that DK Shivakumar used a sting operation to force former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah from office. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-06: Karnataka CM alleges BJP conspiracy to delete lakhs of voters

Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar alleges a BJP conspiracy to delete lakhs of voters via fraudulent Form-7 applications, while also warning his cabinet of potential sting operations targeting ministers.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/h-d-kumaraswamy-criticizes-karnataka-government-over-land-and-water-projects

### 2026-09-08: Karnataka Minister accused of using profane language during water dispute

Karnataka BJP MLA BP Harish has accused Minister SS Mallikarjun of using abusive language toward him during a dispute involving farmers requesting water from the Bhadra reservoir.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-minister-accused-of-using-profane-language-during-water-dispute

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Cite as: Karnataka political disputes over water and land. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-political-disputes-over-water-and-land