Karnataka Minister refutes Opposition allegations on release of Basavasagar water to Telangana

Minister Sharan Prakash Patil addressing reporters in Yadgir on November 1, 2026. | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Medical Education and Yadgir District in-charge Minister Sharan Prakash Patil on Sunday (November 1, 2026) strongly rejected allegations that State authorities released water from the Basavasagar reservoir to neighbouring Telangana on “verbal instructions”.​Speaking to reporters in Yadgir, Dr. Patil stated that Opposition leaders, including former Minister Narasimha Naik (Raju Gowda), were levelling such accusations purely for political gain.“How can authorities release water merely on verbal instructions without maintaining proper records of the outflow from the reservoir?” he said.Decision on water allocation final​Addressing the proposed Yadgir bandh called by local farmers on November 6 over the ongoing water crisis, the Minister emphasised that decisions of Warabandhi restrictions made by the Irrigation Consultative Committee (ICC) remain final.He clarified that all decisions are taken after comprehensive evaluations of factors such as reservoir storage capacity, inflow levels, and local drinking water requirements.​”Ensuring drinking water supplies to the people until summer is our top priority,” Dr. Patil said.​While former Minister Raju Gowda has threatened to enforce the Yadgir bandh if the government fails to extend water releases into canals until the end of November, Dr. Patil refrained from directly commenting on the protest threat, reiterating that the ICC guidelines govern distribution.​Hit and run politics​Dr. Patil launched a sharp attack on Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over his recent criticisms of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, and Home Minister Priyank Kharge.​”He [Mr. Kumaraswamy] regularly engages in hit-and-run politics and fails to substantiate any of his claims,” Dr. Patil remarked.​Responding to queries regarding a recent sting operation controversy, the Minister stated that a fair and transparent investigation is underway. He noted that it would be inappropriate to comment extensively on the matter at this juncture, but assured that those found guilty would face strict action.​Dr. Patil also reassured local agrarian communities that the process to distribute government compensation to farmers affected by severe drought is currently in progress and funds will be released shortly.When asked about law and order issues, he asserted that the state government maintains zero tolerance toward illegal sand mining, unauthorized rice transport and untouchable incidents. The district administration and police department have been directed to take action on complaints immediately and effectively. Published - November 01, 2026 03:49 pm IST