Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. All 33 new gates of Tungabhadra dam inaugurated, three States vow to protect interests of farmers

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on June 25 said that Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana arrived at a historic consensus to safeguard the interests of farmers dependent on the Tungabhadra river basin, as the newly replaced 33 spillway gates of the Tungabhadra reservoir were formally inaugurated at Hosapete in Vijayanagara district.

Mr. Shivakumar said the deliberations covered key concerns raised by farmer organisations and representatives, including the proposed Navali balancing reservoir, and the need to remove accumulated silt from the reservoir to improve water conservation and storage. He said the coming together of the three riparian States reflected a shared commitment to protecting water rights. 

The inauguration of the 33 newly installed spillway gates marks the culmination of a major rehabilitation exercise undertaken after the washout of Gate No. 19 in August 2024. The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil.

2. Lobbying for cabinet berths in Karnataka frowned upon by Congress leadership

Amid intense lobbying by Cabinet hopefuls in Karnataka that has, at times, embarrassed the Congress, the central leadership is learnt to have warned legislators of serious consequences. On June 24, sources close to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar claimed that the central leaders had spoken to him on the several incidents of protests by supporters seeking berths for their leaders, lobbying by religious heads and mutt seers, meetings of legislators, which has embarrassed the party.

While Mr. Shivakumar was sworn along with 13 Ministers, intense lobbying is being reported for the 20 other berths by seniors, former Ministers and even first-timers. The central leaders are learnt to have told Mr. Shivakumar that the Cabinet expansion would be taken up at an appropriate time, and that they would observe zero tolerance for lobbying for cabinet berths. The CM is learnt to have been told not to entertain legislators coming in groups to lobby for cabinet berths.

3. Businessman found dead in actor Krishi Thapanda’s residence in Bengaluru

Bengaluru-based businessman Vaishak was found dead in the residence of actor and former Bigg Boss contestant Krishi Thapanda at R.R. Nagar on June 24 night. He had been arrested in an alleged extortion and threat case, and later released on bail. Vaishak, a resident of Girinagar, had been staying at Krishi’s R.R. Nagar apartment for the past few days.

Sources said Vaishak, who was reportedly alone in the actor’s apartment when the incident occurred, had called Krishi shortly before taking the extreme step but she was unable to answer. He is also said to have sent messages indicating that he intended to end his life. After noticing the messages, Krishi alerted his family members, who rushed to the apartment.

4. Five drown in Cauvery river near Muthathi

Five persons, including four women related to each other, drowned in the Cauvery river near Muthathi in Mandya district of Karnataka on June 24 evening.

A group of relatives had hired a car from Bengaluru to Muthathi on June 24. After offering prayers at the temples in Channapatna and Muthathi, they went to the Cauvery river for a dip.