Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Friday, 9 October objected to the state government's reported plan to release approximately two TMC of water from the Narayanpur reservoir to Telangana, calling the move unjustified at a time when several parts of Karnataka are facing acute water shortages.

The Water Release Controversy

Addressing reporters in Vijayapura, Vijayendra questioned the rationale behind the decision. 'At a time when farmers and people in several parts of Karnataka were facing water shortages, the decision to release water without adequately considering the state's interests was unjustified,' he said.

He demanded to know who had authorised the release and on what basis, raising pointed questions about whether Karnataka's farming community was being shortchanged because Telangana, like Karnataka, is governed by the Indian National Congress (Congress). With drinking water reportedly scarce for both people and livestock across several districts, Vijayendra insisted the government owe citizens transparent answers.

Allegations of Political Intimidation Over Electoral Rolls

Vijayendra also accused the Karnataka Congress government of registering FIRs against BJP workers who had submitted Form-7 applications as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He argued that applications filed through the prescribed procedure under Election Commission of India rules could not be criminalised for political convenience. Referring to a reported court stay obtained in one such case, he urged the government to halt what he described as targeted action against Opposition workers.

Financial Strain, KSRTC Dues and Governance Concerns

On the state's fiscal health, Vijayendra claimed Karnataka's total debt had risen to approximately ₹9.5 lakh crore, accusing the government of making large-ticket announcements — including development projects worth ₹32,000 crore in Dakshina Kannada — without ensuring adequate financial arrangements. He cited pending salaries for government employees, delayed disability pensions, cancelled BPL ration cards, pending milk producer incentives, and stalled housing schemes as evidence of fiscal stress.

During a visit to a bus depot in Vijayapura, Vijayendra said he received direct accounts of hardship from transport workers. He alleged the government had not cleared pending dues to the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), leaving the undertaking with outstanding payments to fuel suppliers and risking disruption to bus services.

Law, Order and Corruption Allegations

Vijayendra flagged what he described as a surge in drug abuse, particularly narcotics including ganja, and demanded stronger law enforcement to protect youth. He called for strict action in cases involving atrocities against women, assaults on Dalits, and murders, saying the Home Department must prioritise crime prevention and ensure proper investigations.

On corruption, Vijayendra said reports that the Chief Minister had cautioned his own ministers about the risk of being caught while accepting bribes reflected poorly on the government's credibility. He demanded impartial investigations rather than action against political opponents, accusing the Congress administration of being 'anti-farmer, anti-poor and indifferent to the aspirations of young people.'

What's Next

The BJP has indicated it will continue pressing the issue of the Narayanpur water release and demands an official explanation from the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister. The controversy is set to intensify pressure on the Karnataka Congress government, which is already navigating multiple fronts — fiscal, administrative and political — heading into the next electoral cycle.