The Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFF) opened at the iconic Vidhana Soudha, with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurating the event. The festival brings together filmmakers, artists and cinema lovers from India and abroad, celebrating diverse voices and global storytelling.


BIFF 2026: Bengaluru International Film Festival Opens At Vidhana Soudha | WION

A complaint has been lodged against the Karnataka BJP’s official X (formerly known as Twitter) handle for allegedly sharing offensive and defamatory posts targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and other state ministers. The move comes a day after the BJP shared an image of Congress leaders branding them as “scam lords” and accusing the state government of running a “scam empire” that is allegedly plundering Karnataka continuously.&nbsp;The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) filed the complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station, alleging that the post amounted to character assassination and was intended to mislead the public and disturb social harmony. Police officials confirmed that the complaint has been formally acknowledged. The BJP has consistently accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of corruption. Recently, the party revived Justice Veerappa’s remark alleging 63 per cent corruption in the state, claiming Karnataka had turned into an “ATM” for Congress to bankroll elections elsewhere.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-put-this-call-on-recording-i-am-killing-your-sister-chilling-call-in-delhi-swat-commando-s-murder-1769769170251">'Put this call on recording… I am killing your sister': Chilling call in Delhi SWAT commando’s murder</a>&nbsp;Senior BJP leader R Ashoka questioned the government on what action it would take on the 63 per cent allegation, noting that the Congress had earlier set up a Special Investigation Team to probe the BJP-era “40 per cent commission” charge. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed Ashoka’s claims, accusing the opposition of distorting facts to divert attention from its own governance record.<h2>See the BJP's post on X here</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">ಇದು ಕರ್ನಾಟಕವನ್ನು ಹಗಲಿರುಳು ಲೂಟಿ ಹೊಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವ <a href="https://twitter.com/INCKarnataka?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@INCKarnataka</a> ಸರ್ಕಾರದ ಸ್ಕ್ಯಾಮ್‌ ಸಾಮ್ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಅಸಲಿ ಕತೆ!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CongressFailsKarnataka?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CongressFailsKarnataka</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ScamSarkara?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ScamSarkara</a> <a href="https://t.co/lhgJ9PALH2">pic.twitter.com/lhgJ9PALH2</a>&mdash; BJP Karnataka (@BJP4Karnataka) <a href="https://twitter.com/BJP4Karnataka/status/2016712906222559469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Meanwhile, Gangavathi MLA G Janardhana Reddy stirred political debate by urging Siddaramaiah to remain Chief Minister for the next two-and-a-half years and not pave the way for Deputy CM D K Shivakumar to assume the top post. Speaking in the Assembly during the discussion on the Governor’s address, Reddy criticised Shivakumar’s conduct in the aftermath of the Ballari violence, while expressing confidence in Siddaramaiah’s leadership and his ability to maintain law and order.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-bans-73-from-football-for-life-ex-coach-among-those-punished-wion-1769769345018/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-bans-73-from-football-for-life-ex-coach-among-those-punished-wion-1769769345018/embed</a>

Congress files cybercrime complaint over BJP’s ‘scam lords’, 'scam empire' post on X

A complaint has been lodged against the Karnataka BJP’s official X (formerly known as Twitter) handle for allegedly sharing offensive and defamatory posts targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, and other state ministers. The move comes a day after the BJP shared an image of Congress leaders branding them as “scam lords” and accusing the state government of running a “scam empire” that is allegedly plundering Karnataka continuously. The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) filed the complaint at the Cyber Crime Police Station, alleging that the post amounted to character assassination and was intended to mislead the public and disturb social harmony. Police officials confirmed that the complaint has been formally acknowledged. The BJP has consistently accused the Congress-led Karnataka government of corruption. Recently, the party revived Justice Veerappa’s remark alleging 63 per cent corruption in the state, claiming Karnataka had turned into an “ATM” for Congress to bankroll elections elsewhere. Also Read: 'Put this call on recording… I am killing your sister': Chilling call in Delhi SWAT commando’s murder Senior BJP leader R Ashoka questioned the government on what action it would take on the 63 per cent allegation, noting that the Congress had earlier set up a Special Investigation Team to probe the BJP-era “40 per cent commission” charge. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah dismissed Ashoka’s claims, accusing the opposition of distorting facts to divert attention from its own governance record. See the BJP's post on X here

The Congress party has filed a cybercrime complaint against the Karnataka BJP’s X account over alleged defamatory posts targeting CM Siddaramaiah and his cabinet ministers

Karnataka BJP has alleged a multi-crore excise scam involving over ₹6,00 crore. The party’s state chief has called for a thorough investigation into the alleged financial irregularities, intensifying political scrutiny in the state.


Karnataka BJP Alleges Multi-Crore Excise Scam, Demands Investigation 

The Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) Women's Wing has submitted a formal complaint to the Karnataka State Women's Commission, objecting to the teaser of the Kannada film Toxic, starring Yash.

AAP Files Complaint Against Yash's 'Toxic' Over Obscenity

Karnataka authorities have launched a probe into deaths and reported irregularities during the COVID-19 pandemic. The investigation focuses on identifying lapses in healthcare delivery, hospital management, and government protocols during the crisis. Officials aim to ensure accountability for alleged mismanagement and safeguard public health systems for the future. The probe includes examining patient records, hospital procedures, and response strategies to understand failures that may have contributed to fatalities. Citizens and experts are closely watching developments, as the findings could have implications for healthcare reforms in the state.


Karnataka Covid probe: Investigation of deaths & irregularities during Covid-19 period

Viral videos from Karnataka’s Kalaburagi jail have sparked outrage after inmates were seen smoking, drinking, and partying inside the prison, raising serious questions over security lapses, special privileges, and jail administration.


Karnataka: VIP life of Kalaburagi jail inmates, videos of inmates smoking, drinking go viral

Karnataka Chief Minister has accused the central government of violating the principles of cooperative federalism. The remarks come amid ongoing disagreements between the state and Centre over governance, autonomy, and policy implementation, highlighting tensions in India’s federal structure.

Karnataka CM Accuses Centre of Violating Cooperative Federalism

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has demanded the suspension of the implementation of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act. He put forth this demand in a letter addressed to PM Modi. This legislation was passed by the Parliament in December amid vociferous opposition.


India: Karnataka CM seeks suspension of VB-G RAM G law implementation

Karnataka Tragedy: Helium Balloon Cylinder Explosion Kills One, Injures Five

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah asserted Rahul Gandhi will decide on the state's leadership, countering AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge's call for local resolution. Kharge expressed displeasure over being drawn into the issue, calling it a 'local creation.' Discussions on leadership change resurfaced after recent meetings between Siddaramaiah and Dy CM D.K. Shivakumar.


Power tussle continues in Karnataka Congress, party high command to take final call 

Battle for CM post: Shivakumar vs Siddaramaiah, Congress high-command to take final call

On the &nbsp;Rabindranath Tagore Beach of the Karwar coastline of Karnataka, authorities had recovered a migratory seagull on Tuesday. The seagull was equipped with a Chinese GPS tracker. The coastline is situated approximately 25 km from the INS Kadamba naval base. The Coastal Marine Police handed over the bird to the forest department officials. The bird had a GPS &nbsp;and solar unit, with a note on it directing where the tracking device came from. It belonged to the Chinese Academy of Sciences.<h2>Was it really a science project or an espionage tactic?&nbsp;</h2>The device recovered from the seagulls was sent for technical analysis. Initial assessment points that the bird was being used to study migratory patterns.&nbsp;"Several angles are being examined, including whether the bird was part of a scientific research project to study migratory patterns," said Uttara Kananda, Superintendent of Police Deepan MN, as quoted by the NDTV.The GPS tracker found on the seagull indicates that the bird flew over 10,000 km, including over the Arctic region, before reaching the coast of Karnataka. However, this has alerted the strategically important Naval base of INS Kadamba. It is at the centre of the Project Seabird, the largest naval infrastructure project of India. It is home to the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and sits just outside the striking range of Pakistan. It is no secret that China has been asserting influence on the Indo-Pacific with different tactics, such as military modernisation and development of ports in the Indian Ocean, called the "String of Pearls" strategy of China. This is not the first instance; last year, in November 2024, another War Eagle was spotted near the Baithkol port in Karwar, which was found to be part of a wildlife research.“At present, it appears to be part of a migratory bird research study. We will confirm the findings after detailed verification,” said an official aware of the issue to PTI.

A Chinese GPS-tagged migratory seagull was found near INS Kadamba in Karnataka. Authorities probe whether it was scientific research or espionage.

On the Rabindranath Tagore Beach of the Karwar coastline of Karnataka, authorities had recovered a migratory seagull on Tuesday. The seagull was equipped with a Chinese GPS tracker. The coastline is situated approximately 25 km from the INS Kadamba naval base. The Coastal Marine Police handed over the bird to the forest department officials. The bird had a GPS and solar unit, with a note on it directing where the tracking device came from. It belonged to the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Was it really a science project or an espionage tactic? The device recovered from the seagulls was sent for technical analysis. Initial assessment points that the bird was being used to study migratory patterns. "Several angles are being examined, including whether the bird was part of a scientific research project to study migratory patterns," said Uttara Kananda, Superintendent of Police Deepan MN, as quoted by the NDTV. The GPS tracker found on the seagull indicates that the bird flew over 10,000 km, including over the Arctic region, before reaching the coast of Karnataka. However, this has alerted the strategically important Naval base of INS Kadamba. It is at the centre of the Project Seabird, the largest naval infrastructure project of India. It is home to the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya and sits just outside the striking range of Pakistan. It is no secret that China has been asserting influence on the Indo-Pacific with different tactics, such as military modernisation and development of ports in the Indian Ocean, called the "String of Pearls" strategy of China. This is not the first instance; last year, in November 2024, another War Eagle was spotted near the Baithkol port in Karwar, which was found to be part of a wildlife research. “At present, it appears to be part of a migratory bird research study. We will confirm the findings after detailed verification,” said an official aware of the issue to PTI.

A Chinese GPS-tagged migratory seagull was found near INS Kadamba in Karnataka. Authorities probe whether it was scientific research or espionage.

Why was a migratory seagull with Chinese GPS tracker found on Karnataka coast

Political tensions rise in Karnataka as a rift emerges between the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister over power-sharing arrangements.


India | Karnataka: Rift Between Chief Minister, Deputy Over Power Sharing

Karnataka faces a political tug of war as parties vie for the Chief Minister’s post following recent elections. Key leaders are negotiating alliances and support to form the next government.

India: Tug of War for Chief Minister's Post in Karnataka

The factional fight inside the Karnataka Congress has reached a critical stage, with the leadership battle between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar intensifying by the day. While many in the party believed AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge—a veteran with nearly five decades of political experience—would step in as the key mediator, Kharge himself now appears increasingly helpless in resolving the crisis.

Karnataka CM Succession Battle Intensifies, MLAs Back Shivkumar For Chief Minister

Karnataka government has approved a Menstrual Leave Policy, 2025, giving women one paid leave per month. The policy provides twelve days annually and applies to government and private sector employees across the state.

Karnataka To Give Women 12 Menstrual Leaves

For moviegoers in Karnataka, cinema just got cheaper. The state government has capped ticket prices at two hundred rupees, excluding taxes, across theaters. The move is aimed at making cinema more accessible for families, who often spend over a thousand rupees on a single outing. 


Will Karnataka’s ₹200 ticket cap inspire other states? 

Karnataka Tragedy: The death toll in a truck ploughing into a Lord Ganesha procession in a village in Hassan district has gone up from eight to nine on Saturday, police sources said.


Karnataka tragedy: Truck rams Ganesh procession, 9 killed

Bengaluru is set to house India’s first and largest artificial intelligence-powered township, as the Karnataka government pushes ahead with the Greater Bengaluru Integrated Township (GBIT) at Bidadi.


India: Karnataka to launch India's first AI-powered city near Bengaluru

The Dharmasthala mass burial case in Karnataka took an unexpected turn on Saturday after the special investigation team arrested the complainant and witness Chinnaiah after "inconsistencies" were found in his statements and documents during questioning.


Dharamsthala: Whistleblower's planned story, missing women & changing probe

In a shocking twist to the sensational Dharmasthala case, the mysterious "Masked Man" — CN Chinnayya — has been arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) for making false allegations. Once protected under the Witness Protection Scheme, Chinnayya had accused powerful figures of heinous crimes. But after crucial evidence disproved his claims, the SIT revoked his protection and arrested him on perjury charges.

Dharmasthala masked man arrested: CN Chinnayya caught after SIT busts false claims

Authorities in Karnataka’s Dharmasthala have intensified excavations across multiple sites as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) digs deeper into claims of mass burials, uncovering partial skeletal remains at one location and deploying advanced technology while probing new leads. Watch to know more on this!


Mass burials shocker: excavation continues, probe deepens, more twists emerge

Karnataka Lokayukta officials on Friday raided the house of a former clerk in the state and found assets worth Rs 30 crore. The huge sum was beyond any known sources of income of the former employee of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL).&nbsp;&nbsp;Kalakappa Nidagundi, who worked in Koppal and had a monthly salary of Rs 15,000, was found to own a whopping 24 houses. The man also owned four plots and 40 acres of farmland. He also owned four vehicles. 350 grams of gold, worth crores, was also found in his possession. He also owned 1.5 kg of silver. The assets were in his, his wife and his brother's names.&nbsp;He, along with an ex-engineer, allegedly swindled Rs 72 crore by forging fake documents for 96 incomplete&nbsp;projects.&nbsp;The raid was part of the Lokayukta officials' campaign against government officials suspected of amassing disproportionate wealth, reported NDTV. Raids were also conducted in Hassan, Chikkabalapura, Chitradurga, and Bengaluru.&nbsp;Last month, they searched&nbsp;the premises of eight officials, including an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, and recovered unaccounted wealth of Rs 37.42 crore.&nbsp;Premises linked to IAS officer Vasanthi Amar B V, who serves as Special Deputy Commissioner at the Railway Infrastructure Development Company, were also raised. Officials recovered assets worth Rs 9.03 crore, including three sites, four houses, three acres of agricultural land to the tune of Rs 7.4 crore, ornaments worth Rs 12 lakh, and vehicles worth Rs 90 lakh, reported the channel.&nbsp;"A case has been registered against ZM Chincholikar, Executive Engineer, Divisional Office, Koppal, and Kalakappa Nidgundi, Former Office Assistant (Outsourced), Sub-Divisional Office," said the office.

The Lokayukta officials on Friday raided the house of a former clerk in Karnataka and found assets worth Rs 30 crore.

Karnataka Lokayukta officials on Friday raided the house of a former clerk in the state and found assets worth Rs 30 crore. The huge sum was beyond any known sources of income of the former employee of Karnataka Rural Infrastructure Development Limited (KRIDL). Kalakappa Nidagundi, who worked in Koppal and had a monthly salary of Rs 15,000, was found to own a whopping 24 houses. The man also owned four plots and 40 acres of farmland. He also owned four vehicles. 350 grams of gold, worth crores, was also found in his possession. He also owned 1.5 kg of silver. The assets were in his, his wife and his brother's names. He, along with an ex-engineer, allegedly swindled Rs 72 crore by forging fake documents for 96 incomplete projects. The raid was part of the Lokayukta officials' campaign against government officials suspected of amassing disproportionate wealth, reported NDTV. Raids were also conducted in Hassan, Chikkabalapura, Chitradurga, and Bengaluru. Last month, they searched the premises of eight officials, including an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, and recovered unaccounted wealth of Rs 37.42 crore. Premises linked to IAS officer Vasanthi Amar B V, who serves as Special Deputy Commissioner at the Railway Infrastructure Development Company, were also raised. Officials recovered assets worth Rs 9.03 crore, including three sites, four houses, three acres of agricultural land to the tune of Rs 7.4 crore, ornaments worth Rs 12 lakh, and vehicles worth Rs 90 lakh, reported the channel. "A case has been registered against ZM Chincholikar, Executive Engineer, Divisional Office, Koppal, and Kalakappa Nidgundi, Former Office Assistant (Outsourced), Sub-Divisional Office," said the office.

Karnataka lokayukta raid: The man also owned four plots and 40 acres of farmland. He also owned four vehicles.

Karnataka ex-clerk owned 24 houses, 350 gm gold; his salary was...

The political feud in top Congress leadership in Karnataka triggered a clash between two senior Karnataka government officials of rival camps at the Karnataka Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday, with CM Siddaramaiah’s special duty officer even being accused of attacking an official of DK Shivakumar faction with a shoe. Chaos erupted at the Karnataka Bhawan on Saturday, as aides of CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar clashed with each other amid underlying tensions between their patrons in Bengaluru.&nbsp;After the clash, H Anjaneya even lodged a formal complaint with Karnataka Bhavan’s Resident Commissioner Imkongla Jamir and Karnataka’s Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh against C Mohan Kumar for allegedly assaulting him with a shoe at Karnataka Bhavan and sought criminal action against him.&nbsp;&nbsp;Chief Secretary Rajneesh has ordered an official inquiry and requested a report from the Resident Commissioner.&nbsp;It all started with a verbal spat at Karnataka Bhavan and came to blows and later H Anjaneya, special officer to Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar, accused C Mohan Kumar, assistant resident commissioner and special officer to CM Siddaramaiah, of assaulting him with a shoe.&nbsp;<h2>‘Beaten with a shoe, it hurt my honour and dignity’</h2>&nbsp;“I was beaten with a shoe, and it has hurt my honour and dignity. Conduct a criminal trial against him (Kumar) and give me justice,” Anjanaya said in his complaint.“We have received the complaint dated July 22. Due process will be followed,” Jamir said, confirming the development.In the complaint, Anjanaya, a Group-B officer, also alleged that Kumar has been disrupting his duties.“He threatened to hit me with a shoe in the chamber of the office in front of everyone,” Anjanaya wrote, while adding that he was concerned about his own safety.“If any accident happens, Kumar will be responsible,” Anjanaya said.&nbsp;The complaint also referenced Kumar’s alleged past conduct, claiming, “If you look into the service books in the past, he has beaten MM Joshi and not given respect to senior officers and behaved with ego as special officer on duty for CM.”Anjanaya also said that he had previously sought a transfer from the Karnataka Bhavan specifically to avoid such conflicts.&nbsp;The matter is expected to undergo official investigation as the resident commissioner's office has confirmed that it will follow due process in addressing the complaint.&nbsp;The Karnataka BJP seized the opportunity and called the incident evidence of rift within the Congress government in the state.

A bitter clash erupted between the Special Duty Officers (SDOs) of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at the Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi amid an alleged power tussle in Karnataka and rumours of a potential leadership change.

The political feud in top Congress leadership in Karnataka triggered a clash between two senior Karnataka government officials of rival camps at the Karnataka Bhawan in New Delhi on Saturday, with CM Siddaramaiah’s special duty officer even being accused of attacking an official of DK Shivakumar faction with a shoe. Chaos erupted at the Karnataka Bhawan on Saturday, as aides of CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM DK Shivakumar clashed with each other amid underlying tensions between their patrons in Bengaluru. After the clash, H Anjaneya even lodged a formal complaint with Karnataka Bhavan’s Resident Commissioner Imkongla Jamir and Karnataka’s Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh against C Mohan Kumar for allegedly assaulting him with a shoe at Karnataka Bhavan and sought criminal action against him. Chief Secretary Rajneesh has ordered an official inquiry and requested a report from the Resident Commissioner. It all started with a verbal spat at Karnataka Bhavan and came to blows and later H Anjaneya, special officer to Karnataka deputy CM DK Shivakumar, accused C Mohan Kumar, assistant resident commissioner and special officer to CM Siddaramaiah, of assaulting him with a shoe. ‘Beaten with a shoe, it hurt my honour and dignity’ “I was beaten with a shoe, and it has hurt my honour and dignity. Conduct a criminal trial against him (Kumar) and give me justice,” Anjanaya said in his complaint. “We have received the complaint dated July 22. Due process will be followed,” Jamir said, confirming the development. In the complaint, Anjanaya, a Group-B officer, also alleged that Kumar has been disrupting his duties. “He threatened to hit me with a shoe in the chamber of the office in front of everyone,” Anjanaya wrote, while adding that he was concerned about his own safety. “If any accident happens, Kumar will be responsible,” Anjanaya said. The complaint also referenced Kumar’s alleged past conduct, claiming, “If you look into the service books in the past, he has beaten MM Joshi and not given respect to senior officers and behaved with ego as special officer on duty for CM.” Anjanaya also said that he had previously sought a transfer from the Karnataka Bhavan specifically to avoid such conflicts. The matter is expected to undergo official investigation as the resident commissioner's office has confirmed that it will follow due process in addressing the complaint. The Karnataka BJP seized the opportunity and called the incident evidence of rift within the Congress government in the state.

A bitter clash erupted between the Special Duty Officers (SDOs) of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar at the Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi amid an alleged power tussle in Karnataka and rumours of a potential leadership change.

Shivakumar, Siddaramaiah feud sparks clash of aides at Karnataka Bhavan in Delhi: ‘Beaten with a shoe’

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