Thu Feb 05 13:17:45 UTC 2026: # Karnataka MLA Expresses Regret Over Remarks, Alleges Provocation
The Story:
Following a tumultuous legislative session in Karnataka that concluded on February 4, 2026, Congress MLA K.M. Shivalinge Gowda has expressed regret for remarks made against BJP MLAs Sharanu Salagar and Vedavyasa Kamath, specifically apologizing for referencing Mr. Salagar’s wife during the debate. However, he also alleges that he was provoked by the BJP legislators, who repeatedly interrupted and personally attacked him while he was speaking on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Gowda claims the BJP members directed derogatory terms at him.
Key Points:
- K.M. Shivalinge Gowda (Congress MLA) expressed regret for referring to Sharanu Salagar’s wife during a legislative debate.
- Gowda alleges Sharanu Salagar and Vedavyasa Kamath (BJP MLAs) provoked him with interruptions and personal attacks (“ragi thief,” “coconut thief”).
- The incident stemmed from Gowda speaking on the restoration of MGNREGA.
- Gowda claims that only his remarks, and not the alleged provocations against him, are being circulated on social media.
- Opposition legislators staged a dharna demanding an apology from Gowda on February 4, 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- The incident highlights ongoing political tensions and acrimony between the Congress and BJP in Karnataka.
- The focus on personal attacks rather than substantive policy debate suggests a breakdown in parliamentary decorum.
- The selective dissemination of information on social media is being used as a tool to shape public perception and potentially further inflame the situation.
- The controversy over MGNREGA signals the importance of rural employment guarantee programs in the current political climate.
First Piper 