SN Narayanaswamy told reporters that Roopakala Shashidhar approached him from behind, slammed the table twice, and warned he would "deal with him" while the Assembly debated Yashwantharayagowda Patil’s resignation over the exclusion of Indi and Chadachan taluks from the drought‑hit list.
Shashidhar is the daughter of senior Congress leader and Karnataka Social Welfare Minister KH Muniyappa, a figure whose influence has long been a lightning rod for factionalism in Kolar district. "I don't know why she was provoked," Narayanaswamy said, adding that he comes from a non‑political background and feels out‑matched by the minister’s clout.
The session itself was convened to decide on Patil’s resignation, a move that split the party on how drought resources should be allocated. The debate highlighted deeper policy rifts that have been simmering since the exclusion of the two taluks was announced.
The Karnataka Congress has yet to issue an official statement, and the clip of the confrontation has gone viral, sparking a debate among legislators about discipline and decorum. The incident has intensified calls for an internal inquiry, and party leaders are expected to address the matter at their next meeting.