Karnataka news & politics
The latest news from Karnataka, where D.K. Shivakumar (INC) is Chief Minister. Most covered in the last 30 days: infrastructure, protest opposition, crime violence.
35% rain deficit in Karnataka causes rice and toor dal prices to rise
A 35% rain deficit in Karnataka caused rice and toor dal prices to rise. Prices for Sona Masuri, Basmati, bullet, Kolam, and Rajamudi rice increased significantly. Chamarasa Malipatil of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) blamed delayed water releases. G.R. Denesh of ICAR estimated over 50% paddy crop loss. Shivakumar of Karnataka State Rice Mills Association noted paddy procurement rose from ₹3,500 to ₹4,600-₹4,700 per quintal.
Parameshwara plans to add 10 more drought-hit taluks despite Opposition refusal to join
On October 10, 2026, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara stated that eight to 10 more taluks could be added to the drought-affected list before submitting a memorandum to the Centre. The State has already declared 217 out of 240 taluks as drought-hit, with ground truthing ongoing for the remaining 23. He plans to seek compensation despite the Opposition refusing to join the delegation.
Banks ordered to stop auto-debiting ₹2,000 Gruha Lakshmi installments for loans or interest
On October 9, 2026, Uma Mahadevan wrote to the State Level Bankers’ Committee ordering that ₹2,000 monthly installments under the Gruha Lakshmi scheme not be adjusted for loans or interest. Following directions from D.K. Shivakumar and a representation by Dinesh Gooli Gowda, banks must desist from auto-debiting these funds. Any previously deducted amounts without written consent must be re-credited to beneficiaries.
Karnataka crackdown seizes ₹1.34 crore rice and 20 vehicles in smuggling racket
The Food and Civil Supplies Department, Commercial Taxes, Agricultural Marketing, Police, and Excise departments seized 564.99 tonnes of rice worth ₹1.34 crore and twenty vehicles worth ₹3.41 crore during a three-day crackdown in Karnataka. Six cases were registered against nine persons under the Essential Commodities Act, 1981. Officials exposed an international smuggling racket involving Annapurneshwari Enterprises and Sailar Exports Ltd.
D.K. Shivakumar claims Opposition attempted "sting operations" on him and ministerial colleagues
D.K. Shivakumar claimed the Opposition attempted "sting operations" on him and ministerial colleagues. On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara stated this charge was based on intelligence information. Ganija Ravikumar defended the claim with proof. Meanwhile, Yathindra Siddaramaiah and B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan visited Delhi to meet central leadership. H.D. Kumaraswamy ridiculed the claim, while B.Y. Vijayendra challenged the Chief Minister to reveal names.
ECI caps voter deletion requests at 10 after Karnataka bulk filing controversy
The Election Commission of India capped individual voter deletion requests at 10 during claims and objections periods and 5 monthly during continuous updation. This follows controversy in Karnataka, where DK Shivakumar accused BJP-linked individuals of bulk filing Form 7 applications to remove eligible voters. The commission also directed officials to verify identities and initiate action under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Karnataka Form 7 applications rise by 19,376 amid alleged bulk deletions
The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) reported that Form 7 applications in Karnataka rose by 19,376 between October 4 and 8, reaching a cumulative 1,10,654 since June 16. Amid alleged bulk submissions to arbitrarily delete names from a community, the SIR enters its final phase. Of 43,82,315 notices generated, 43,73,745 were delivered by October 9. The final electoral roll is scheduled for publication on October 27.
Tamil Nadu files Supreme Court affidavit accusing Karnataka of resource hoarding
On October 10, 2026, Tamil Nadu filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court, represented by G. Umapathy and B. Karunakaran, accusing Karnataka of resource hoarding. The state claimed Karnataka failed to supply 22.519 TMC by early October, instead releasing less than the CWMA mandated 4000 cusecs daily. Tamil Nadu reported Mettur reservoir storage at 29.60 TMC on October 9.
High Court orders notices over BDA plan to demolish headquarters for new building
The High Court of Karnataka ordered notices to the State government and Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) regarding a petition by activists B.M. Shivakumar and H. Shivaram. They challenge a December 30, 2025 resolution to demolish the headquarters for a new building. The petitioners allege no structural assessments were conducted and that spending public money while in debt is not in the public interest.
High Court stays FIRs against BJP agents over alleged 914 false voter deletions
The High Court of Karnataka stayed investigations into two FIRs against BJP Booth Level Agents G.S. Vasanthalakshmi and Deepak Singh R. on Friday. Anoop Iyengar, a Congress leader, alleged they submitted 778 and 136 false Form 7 applications to delete voters in Malleswaram. Justice Anant Ramanath Hegde ruled the FIRs are not maintainable because complaints must come from the Electoral Registration Officer.
KEA announces stray vacancy round; candidates must deposit up to ₹25 lakh for eligibility
The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) announced the stray vacancy round seat allotment schedule on Friday. H. Prasanna, Executive Director, stated candidates can submit fresh applications from October 13 to 16, 2026. Options entry occurs October 16 to 19. Caution deposits of ₹1,00,000, ₹12,01,117, or ₹25 lakh determine seat eligibility. Those allotted seats via All India quota or other authorities are ineligible for this round.
4 arrested for seizing 665.67 grams of MDMA worth over ₹50 lakh
Nileshwaram police arrested Yusuf, Noushad Ali, Ahmed Rukshad (33), and Abdul Hameed (30) for seizing 665.67 grams of suspected MDMA worth more than ₹50 lakh from the Mangaluru Express. Led by C.M. Sabu under M.V. Anilkumar and P. Nidhinraj, officers are investigating international links and a separate courier case in Mangaluru. All four were remanded by the Hosdurg court.