A video that quickly went viral on social media shows Karnataka minister Mallikarjun confronting BJP legislator Harish during a heated exchange, shouting, “Beat him with slippers.” The clip, captured by a by‑stander, shows the minister’s raised voice and overtly disrespectful language toward the opposition MLA.
The incident took place in the state capital Bengaluru, though the exact venue has not been disclosed. Both politicians are members of the state assembly, with Mallikarjun representing the ruling party and Harish a senior figure in the BJP’s state unit. The confrontation erupted after a dispute over a local development project, which the BJP alleges the ruling party is mishandling.
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Following the video's circulation, the opposition demanded an immediate inquiry, with BJP leaders filing a formal complaint with the Karnataka Assembly’s ethics committee. The ruling party’s spokesperson defended Mallikarjun, saying the remarks were taken out of context and that the minister was responding to provocation.
The Karnataka government has announced that it will convene a special meeting of the assembly’s conduct committee within the next 48 hours to examine the footage and determine whether disciplinary action, including possible suspension, is warranted. Legal experts note that such behavior could violate the Assembly’s code of conduct, which prohibits members from using abusive language or personal attacks.
Political analysts suggest that the episode could inflame already tense relations between the state’s ruling coalition and the BJP, potentially affecting upcoming legislative debates on key issues such as water allocation and infrastructure spending.
