Karnataka BJP MLA B.P. Harish faces arrest warrant in Dalit atrocity case
Synopsis
A Bengaluru special court has issued an arrest warrant against sitting BJP MLA B.P. Harish over alleged casteist remarks made to Dalit community members the day after the 2023 Karnataka election results. With Harihar police now activated and a court appearance ordered for 7 May, the lone BJP MLA from Davanagere district faces one of his most serious political and legal tests.
Key Takeaways
Harish of Harihar constituency faces an arrest warrant issued by Bengaluru's Special Court for MLAs/MPs .
The case stems from alleged casteist remarks made against the Dalit community a day after the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election results .
Hanumanthappa filed the original complaint at Harihar Town Police Station ; a video of the alleged remarks had gone viral.
Special Court Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat issued the warrant after Harish failed to appear for investigation.
Harihar police have been directed to arrest Harish and produce him before the court on 7 May 2025 .
Harish is the only BJP MLA from Davanagere district , having won 2 of 7 elections contested.
Harihar BJP MLA B.P. Harish is facing imminent arrest after the Special Court for MLAs/MPs in Bengaluru issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with an atrocity case involving alleged casteist remarks against the Dalit community. The court has directed Harihar police to arrest Harish and produce him before it on 7 May 2025.
Background of the Case
A case was registered at the Harihar Town Police Station against Harish on charges of making casteist remarks. The alleged incident dates to a day after the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election results, when some Dalit community leaders reportedly visited Harish to congratulate him on his victory. During that interaction, Harish allegedly stated that despite the BJP government increasing reservations, Dalits did not vote for the party — and reportedly made additional derogatory remarks.
A video of the alleged statement went viral at the time. Subsequently, BSP leader B. Hanumanthappa from Harihar filed a formal complaint at the Harihar Town Police Station, leading to the registration of a case under caste abuse charges.
Court Order and Arrest Warrant
As Harish failed to appear for investigation, Special Court Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat issued an arrest warrant against him on Tuesday. The court also directed the prosecution to produce the MLA before it on 7 May 2025. Following the court order, the Harihar police have become active in preparing to execute the warrant.
Who Is B.P. Harish
MLA B.P. Harish represents the Harihar Assembly constituency in Davanagere district. He is the only BJP MLA from the district. Harish has contested elections seven times and won on two occasions. He is widely seen as a challenger to the influence of the powerful Shamanur family, which is associated with the Congress party and is said to wield significant political control in the region.
Political and Legal Implications
The case draws attention at a sensitive time, as it involves a sitting legislator facing charges under atrocity laws — statutes specifically designed to protect marginalised communities from caste-based abuse. Notably, this is not an isolated incident; cases against elected representatives under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have been on the rise across Karnataka in recent years.
The outcome of the 7 May hearing before the Special Court is expected to determine the immediate legal trajectory for Harish. Whether he appears voluntarily or is brought in under the warrant will likely shape the political narrative around the case in the days ahead.
Point of View
Rather than any new evidence, is what triggered the warrant, which raises a structural question: why do legislators routinely evade summons with impunity until a court steps in? In a district where the BJP holds just one Assembly seat, the case also carries unmistakable political undertones, though that context must not distract from the substantive charge — alleged public denigration of a community by a sitting lawmaker.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has BJP MLA B.P. Harish been issued an arrest warrant?
The Special Court for MLAs/MPs in Bengaluru issued an arrest warrant against B.P. Harish because he failed to appear for investigation in a case involving alleged casteist remarks against the Dalit community. The court has directed Harihar police to arrest him and produce him on 7 May 2025.
What did B.P. Harish allegedly say that led to the atrocity case?
Harish allegedly made derogatory remarks against the Dalit community a day after the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election results, reportedly stating that Dalits did not vote for the BJP despite the party increasing reservations. A video of the alleged remarks went viral, prompting a formal complaint.
Who filed the complaint against B.P. Harish?
BSP leader B. Hanumanthappa from Harihar filed a complaint at the Harihar Town Police Station, which led to the registration of a case against Harish under caste abuse charges.
Which court issued the warrant and who is the presiding judge?
The warrant was issued by the Special Court for MLAs/MPs in Bengaluru, presided over by Judge Santosh Gajanan Bhat. This court specifically handles cases involving sitting and former legislators.
Who is B.P. Harish and what is his political significance?
B.P. Harish is the BJP MLA from Harihar Assembly constituency in Davanagere district and is the only BJP legislator from that district. He has contested elections seven times and won twice, and is seen as a political counterweight to the Congress-affiliated Shamanur family's influence in the region.
